Five-star England breeze past Andorra as the Three Lions remain unbeaten in the World Cup Qualifiers

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Goals from Ben Chilwell, Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, James Ward-Prowse and Jack Grealish saw England walk away 5-0 victors as they edge ever closer to qualifying for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

England made 10 changes from their last World Cup Group I qualifier against Poland in September. Gareth Southgate gave Tammy Abraham his first England start in 11 months, as Kieran Tripper was given the captain’s armband for the third time in his senior international career.

It was the Three Lions who had the game’s first big chance two minutes in, as Conor Coady latched onto the end of a deep James Ward-Prowse free-kick. The Wolves man’s header went just over Josep Gomes’ goal and out for a corner which Southgate’s side failed to create from.

Chilwell also had a shot on goal as he connected with Phil Foden’s dinked cross, however, he headed just wide of the target.

The Chelsea man was involved again in the attacking third five minutes later. Foden pinged another ball over the top of the host’s defence which found Jadon Sancho, who knocked the ball across to Chilwell. The 24-year-old then had the easy task of striking England into the lead from close range.

England had the chance to double their lead moments later, however, the hands of Gomes denied Abraham’s looping header.

Foden, impeccable for the duration of the encounter offering flair and creativity, played another delightful ball over the top of Andorra’s defence to the feet of Saka who rifled the ball into the roof of the net giving England a 2-0 lead.

The first half ended in a feisty manner, as Sancho and John Stones saw themselves booked, however, referee Kateryna Monzul called an end to the first period of play with England two goals to the good.

Southgate’s side kept up their attacking pressure into the second period as Abraham added a third just before the hour-mark. Sancho dispatched a pinpoint cross from the left to the lurking 24-year-old who prodded the ball home from close range.

Just over 10 minutes later, Southgate introduced Jack Grealish and Mason Mount to the encounter. No fewer than five minutes into his 16th England appearance, the Manchester City man was dancing through the Andorra defence and was bought down in the box with referee Monzul pointing to the spot.

Ward-Prowse stepped up to take the penalty, but Gomes made the save to deny the midfielder. Fortunately for England, the ball fell perfectly back to the feet of the Saints man and he slotted home the rebound to make it 4-0 with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Just six minutes later, Sam Johnstone claimed a tame Andorran free-kick delivery before launching the ball with a powerful throw for Grealish, who was ready to pounce on the halfway line. The second half substitute burst into the hosts’ half before twisting and turning as he slotted the ball into the bottom left corner for England’s fifth of the night and his first Three Lions goal.

Shortly after, referee Monzul concluded proceedings as England claimed a 5-0 victory in a classy performance from their forwards and the defence who stayed alert and remained professional throughout.

The win for the Three Lions sees them remain top of Group I, four points clear of Albania with three games remaining.

For the hosts, they turn their attention to Tuesday’s away trip to San Marino, however, both sides are already out of qualifying contention.

Southgate’s men now look ahead to welcoming Hungary to Wembley on Tuesday evening, as his side look to edge ever closer to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

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