England Starting XI vs Andorra: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

England vs Andorra: Predicted lineup as Thomas Tuchel tests his squad

England return to World Cup qualifying action at Villa Park against Andorra, with manager Thomas Tuchel expected to strike a balance between experimentation and control. With Serbia looming on Tuesday, this is an opportunity for rotation and fresh faces, although the weight of expectation remains.

Injuries shape Tuchel’s decisions

John Stones has withdrawn with muscular problems, denying him a first camp under Tuchel. The Manchester City defender had been pencilled in to start but his absence has forced a reshuffle. Dan Burn is likely to step in at centre-back, partnering Ezri Konsa in what promises to be a physical pairing.

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is another enforced omission, ruled out with an adductor injury. In response, Tuchel has added Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah. The AC Milan midfielder has not featured for England since 2018 but knows Tuchel well from their Chelsea days. For Quansah, now at Bayer Leverkusen, this could be the moment he earns a first senior cap.

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Tuchel confirmed Stones’ absence in his pre-match press conference and made clear that squad depth will be tested. “We have players eager to show they belong at this level, and it is the right match to give them that chance,” the head coach explained.

Fresh opportunities for new faces

Quansah is not alone in chasing a debut. James Trafford, the Manchester City goalkeeper, is in contention, alongside Tottenham full-back Djed Spence and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Tuchel has indicated Spence may be used on the left side of defence, while Anderson is seen as a natural No8.

This willingness to hand out opportunities reflects Tuchel’s long-term vision for England. He wants competitive depth across the pitch, especially with injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham. All three were left out of the original squad due to fitness concerns, joining Stones and Wharton on the treatment table.

Predicted formation at Villa Park

Tuchel is expected to stay with a 4-2-3-1 structure. Dean Henderson could be handed the gloves, while veteran Jordan Henderson is tipped to anchor midfield with Anderson beside him. Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke are strong candidates to support Harry Kane in attack.

Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1): D Henderson, James, Konsa, Burn, Livramento, J Henderson, Anderson, Bowen, Eze, Madueke, Kane

Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm BST at Villa Park. Coverage is available on ITV.