England vs Andorra tips and predictions: Villa Park happy hunting ground for Tuchel’s Three Lions?

England state of play

There has been doom and gloom surrounding England over the last few months. However, the reality is things aren't too bad at all. As it stands, the Three Lions are nicely poised to win Group K and reach the World Cup. 

If Thomas Tuchel's men can muster six points from their next two games, things will be looking rosy. 

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek was a surprise addition to the ranks after seven years in the international wilderness. The AC Milan ace has 10 England caps, with the last of those coming against the USA in November 2018. "Being away from the squad for so long I kind of got used to not going," he said. "You still want to push in club football with the hope of maybe getting a sniff."

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah also got the call after an injury to influential Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

Andorra state of play 

Andorra sit rock bottom of Group K with no wins after four games. They also have a hefty goal difference of minus eight. With a population of around 80,000, the Tricolors aren't exactly giants on the international stage. 

But there have been some signs of improvement over the last few years. Andorra recorded their best performance in the Nations League in 2023, earning eight points and finishing undefeated at home in the group stage. 

And against England in June, which the Three Lions narrowly won 1-0, Andorra performed admirably and frustrated England's stars with a well drilled defensive line. “In terms of effort, I think I couldn’t be prouder of my team and how they carried it out,” Andorra coach Koldo Álvarez said after the June showdown. 

Key talking point: Will England click into gear?  

England's performances in June against Andorra and Senegal were hugely underwhelming - to say the least. Tuchel needs to get a better tune out of his squad to silence the doubters and build momentum.

Whether or not he can manage that remains to be seen, but the former Chelsea boss urged his men to show a "different energy" during this international break. 

READ: The Weekly Acca: 5/1 four-fold including, England, Germany and Netherlands

Tuchel told reporters: "I expect a different feeling, a different energy because we simply have to play with a different energy, a different feeling. We will make sure everyone is aware we have two important qualifiers. We have to bring more energy."

Despite the very narrow win over the minnows in Spring, and the subsequent discontent from Three Lions fans, it's worth noting England have won all seven previous meetings with Andorra without conceding a goal.

FIRST’s top tip for England vs Andorra

Pick: Noni Madueke anytime goalscorer at 7/10 (Ladbrokes)

Not all Arsenal fans were delighted by the decision to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Nevertheless, the versatile attacker has looked the real deal under Mikel Arteta and could prove to be an astute bit of business by the Gunners. 

Against Liverpool last weekend, he was arguably the north Londoners' most threatening player with 28 touches and a pass accuracy of 56%. Tuchel clearly rates him too and the 23-year-old was England's danger man in the 1-0 win over Andorra in June. 

Madueke bagged Player of the Match after providing an assist for Harry Kane's winner. He's not prolific but has a solid goal return for a wide player and notched 11 in all competitions for Chelsea last term.  

Extra tips

Pick: Harry Kane to score at least two goals at 5/4 (Betway)

Ignore the England talisman at your peril. He might be entering the twilight of his career, but Kane is still delivering the goods both internationally and domestically. He bagged an astonishing 41 goals for Bayern Munich last season and already has six this term.  

His England record is similarly imperious. 73 goals and counting - Kane is absolutely prolific in a Three Lions jersey. 

Pick: Declan Rice assist and team win 14/5 (Betway)

The Arsenal midfielder has become hugely influential for England and the Gunners. Rice often plays in a holding role for club and country but could be given more space to roam against lowly Andorra. His assist record is respectable. 

Rice bagged seven last season in the Premier League and already has one to his name this term.   

Team news

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are all crocked and not involved in the squad. 

Jack Grealish was also omitted despite his impressive start at Everton. It was a similar story for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is now strutting his stuff at Real Madrid.

Loftus-Cheek could feature after getting the late call from Tuchel. 

For Andorra, Ricard Fernandez is expected to lead the line. The 26-year-old now has 52 caps for his homeland. Pau Babot, meanwhile, looks set to feature in midfield. 

Read: Who's charting in Friday’s Top of the Props? Get the best international footy prop bets here!

England vs Andorra predicted line-ups

England: Pickford; Lewis-Skelly, Stones, Guehi, James; Rice, Loftus-Cheek; Rashford, Madueke, Bowen; Kane (4-2-3-1)

Andorra: Alvarez; Dacu, Llovera, Garcia, Olivera; Babot, Rebes, Teixeira; Cervos, Lopez, Fernandez (4-3-3) 

Form guide (including friendlies)

England: W W W W W W W W W L

Andorra: L L L W L D L L L L

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Odds correct at the time of writing.