England in cruise control — did just enough without breaking a sweat

In the first half of the World Cup 2026 qualifying match between Andorra and England, England dominated possession and created several shooting opportunities, but they were unable to convert any into clear goal chances.

England started strongly, with Jude Bellingham firing a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 1st minute, but Andorra’s goalkeeper Iker Alvarez dealt with the attempt comfortably. England continued to press, and in the 14th minute, Noni Madueke also tested Alvarez with a shot from outside the box, which was easily saved.

Harry Kane came close in the 19th minute, finding some space inside the box and shooting just wide of the right post, narrowly missing a potential breakthrough. Andorra had a rare attacking moment in the 25th minute when Biel Borra Font tried a long-range effort, but his shot sailed high over the bar.

England kept the pressure on, with Bellingham shooting again in the 35th minute, only for Alvarez to produce a good save. Morgan Rogers attempted a shot from outside the area in the 39th minute, but it was off target and did not trouble the goalkeeper.

In stoppage time of the first half, Bellingham went up high to meet a lofted cross with a close-range header, but his effort lacked power and Alvarez was able to make a comfortable save.

England started the second half with intent and quickly found the breakthrough in the 50th minute. Noni Madueke delivered a pinpoint cut-back from the goal line, finding Harry Kane unmarked in front of goal. The captain made no mistake, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to make it 0–1. You can see the goal HERE!

Andorra nearly responded ten minutes later, but Cucu squandered a golden chance, blasting over the crossbar from just six yards out.

In the 62nd minute, Madueke dazzled again, weaving past two defenders before unleashing a shot toward the bottom left corner, only to be denied by a solid save from Iker Alvarez.

Alvarez was called into action once more in the 73rd minute, producing a stunning stop to keep out Eberechi Eze's powerful header aimed at the top of the net.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - EUROPE

Saturday

B&H - San Marino 1-0 (0-0)

/Dzeko 66/

Andorra - England 0-1 (0-0)

/Kane 50/

Malta - Lithuania 0-0

21.45: (3.45) Albania (3.30) Serbia (2.30)

21.45: (1.35) Austria (5.30) Romania (10.5)

21.45: (12.0) Finland (6.25) Netherlands (1.28)