Thomas Tuchel's reign as England manager reached a new milestone on Saturday as a second-half strike from Harry Kane secured a 1-0 victory against Andorra in a World Cup qualifier. This win marked Tuchel's third consecutive victory without conceding a goal since taking charge, a feat that places him in an elite group of England managers.
The match, held in Barcelona, saw England struggle to break down a determined Andorra side, who defended resolutely. Despite England's dominance in possession and numerous attempts on goal, the breakthrough only came in the second half, thanks to Kane's clinical finish. While the result was positive, Tuchel himself expressed dissatisfaction with the overall performance, acknowledging that his team needs to improve in terms of urgency and execution.
Tuchel's experimental lineup saw several changes from the previous match, with opportunities given to players like Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson. However, the team lacked cohesion at times, and the Andorran defense proved difficult to unlock. Youngsters like Noni Madueke showed glimpses of promise, with Madueke in particular forcing a strong save from the Andorran goalkeeper in the first half.
Harry Kane's goal, his 72nd for England, was a moment of quality in an otherwise frustrating game. The England captain demonstrated his predatory instincts, finding the back of the net to secure the win and maintain England's lead in Group K. Kane's impressive scoring record under Tuchel continued, adding to the 44 goals he scored in 45 games under the German manager at Bayern Munich. This further solidifies the strong understanding and partnership between the two.
Despite the victory, the performance drew criticism from fans and pundits alike. The team was booed off at half-time, reflecting the disappointment with their lack of creativity and penetration against a team ranked 173rd in the FIFA rankings. Tuchel acknowledged the fans' frustration, admitting that the team's energy and determination waned after a promising opening 25 minutes.
Tuchel's appointment as England manager in October 2024 was met with mixed reactions, with some questioning the decision to appoint a non-Englishman. However, his track record at clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea speaks for itself. Tuchel has a proven ability to win trophies and implement his tactical ideas. He boasts a 57% win ratio across all top-flight clubs and even won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021. His tactical flexibility is well known, as is his preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
This win against Andorra, while not a vintage performance, does highlight Tuchel's ability to grind out results. It also showcases the continued importance of Harry Kane to the England team. As Tuchel continues to implement his ideas and integrate new players, there is optimism that England can build towards a successful future under his leadership. The next challenge will be to address the issues raised in this match and deliver a more convincing performance in the upcoming games. The road to the World Cup is long, and Tuchel will need to find the right balance between experimentation and consistency to achieve England's ultimate goal.
