How Did England's Players Perform in Their Latest Game?

England maintained their perfect record in the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a convincing victory over Andorra, showcasing a mix of established stars and promising newcomers. This article assesses the individual performances of the players during the match, highlighting key contributions and areas for improvement.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the Match

• England's defence remained largely untested throughout the game.
• Newcomers like Elliot Anderson made strong impressions in midfield.
• Declan Rice's goal helped solidify his role in the squad.
• Harry Kane struggled to find space and opportunities.
• Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke both had impactful moments on the wings.

Overview of Player Performances

Jordan Pickford: The Silent Guardian

Jordan Pickford had a remarkably quiet game. The England goalkeeper did not face any shots on target, which limited his involvement. His primary role was to initiate attacks by distributing the ball effectively. He earned a modest rating of 6 for his performance.

Defensive Line Analysis

Reece James: A Reliable Right-Back

Reece James has established himself as a key player under manager Thomas Tuchel. In this match, he displayed his quality by providing an excellent assist for Declan Rice's goal. His solid performance earned him a rating of 7.

Marc Guehi: Filling the Gap

Marc Guehi stepped in as the right-sided centre-back, a position he is not familiar with due to John Stones' injury. Despite this, Guehi performed well, showing his adaptability and earning a rating of 6.

Dan Burn: Dominating in the Air

Dan Burn had little defensive work to do throughout the match, primarily focusing on pushing forward. His aerial dominance was evident, but he did not contribute significantly to the attack, receiving a rating of 6.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: A Solid Debut

Myles Lewis-Skelly played in a traditional left-back role, focusing on width rather than inverting into midfield. He was effective in his position, contributing to the team's overall performance and securing a rating of 6.

Midfield Dynamics

Elliot Anderson: A Promising Debut

Elliot Anderson made a strong impression in his first appearance for the national team. He was comfortable in possession and effectively managed the space in front of the defence. Though he missed a good opportunity to score, his performance was solid enough to earn a rating of 7.5.

Declan Rice: The Engine Room

Declan Rice continued in the number eight role, mirroring his club duties at Arsenal. His ability to drive forward was highlighted by his goal, scored with a well-placed header. Rice's impactful performance warranted a rating of 7.

Eberechi Eze: Seeking Opportunities

Eberechi Eze had a chance to shine in the number 10 role but struggled to make a significant impact. He played a crucial pass leading to England's opening goal but was unable to capitalise on his scoring opportunities. Eze's rating reflects this inconsistency at 6.

Wingers and Forward Play

Marcus Rashford: Bright Start, Missed Chances

Marcus Rashford began the match positively, showcasing his dribbling skills. However, he missed a crucial scoring opportunity after receiving a rebound from Eze's shot. His substitution in the second half reflected a need to rejuvenate the attack, earning him a rating of 6.

Noni Madueke: An Emerging Talent

Noni Madueke displayed tenacity on the opposite wing, consistently seeking to challenge defenders. His cross resulted in the opening goal, marking a positive contribution on his international debut. Madueke's efforts earned him a commendable rating of 7.

Harry Kane: A Quiet Night

As England's all-time leading scorer, Harry Kane faced a crowded penalty area, limiting his opportunities. He was less involved in build-up play than usual, making it difficult for him to create chances. Kane's performance was rated 6.

Substitutes Impact

Tino Livramento: Late Substitution

Tino Livramento came on in the 68th minute, but with the match already secured at 2-0, his impact was minimal. He was eager to utilise his pace, yet did not significantly alter the game, receiving a rating of 6.

Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers: Limited Involvement

Both Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers struggled to make an impact after being brought on as substitutes. Gordon had few chances to influence the game, resulting in a low rating of 5, while Rogers also faced challenges in getting involved, earning a rating of 6.

Ezri Konsa and Morgan Gibbs-White: Brief Appearances

Ezri Konsa replaced Guehi but did not face any testing situations, garnering a rating of 6. Morgan Gibbs-White had a brief stint on the pitch, but with the match already in hand, he also received a rating of 6.

What’s Next for England?

England's performance against Andorra showcased the depth of talent available to manager Gareth Southgate. The blend of experience and youth provides a promising outlook as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign. With key matches ahead, maintaining momentum and building team chemistry will be essential. The performances of players like Elliot Anderson and Noni Madueke will be closely monitored as they look to secure their places in the squad for the World Cup.

As England prepares for their next challenge, fans will be eager to see how the squad evolves and who will step up as key players in crucial moments. Will the combination of established stars and rising talent lead to a successful World Cup campaign? #ThreeLions #WorldCup2026 #FootballTalent

FAQs

What was the final score of the England vs Andorra match?

The final score was England 2, Andorra 0, maintaining England's perfect record in World Cup qualifying.

Who scored the goals for England in the match?

Declan Rice scored the second goal, while the opening goal resulted from a cross by Noni Madueke that was headed into the net.

How did Elliot Anderson perform in his debut?

Elliot Anderson had a solid debut, showcasing good composure and control in midfield, earning a rating of 7.5.

What challenges did Harry Kane face during the game?

Harry Kane struggled to find space in a crowded penalty area, limiting his opportunities to create or score, and he received a rating of 6.

What are the next matches for England in the World Cup qualifiers?

England's upcoming matches will be crucial as they aim to maintain their qualifying momentum and prepare for the World Cup. Specific dates and opponents will be announced by the FA.