Tuchel's Lions take on Andorra to prepare for Serbian Eagles

England weren't exactly flying in June. A scrappy 1-0 win over Andorra in Barcelona, followed by a 3-1 loss to Senegal in a friendly, left fans frustrated and questioning the team. Thomas Tuchel knows his side owes the supporters a response, and he's hoping September's World Cup qualifiers are the chance to deliver.

First up, it's Andorra again - Saturday evening at Villa Park. That one should be routine. The real challenge comes a few days later in Belgrade against Serbia, which many are already calling England’s toughest away trip of the campaign.

Reporters in England were quick to suggest Tuchel might rotate his squad for the Andorra match, especially with injuries piling up. But the German coach made it clear: no experiments, no taking risks. Harry Kane is starting, and Tuchel says he'll put out the strongest lineup possible.

"This is basically a World Cup year," he explained. "We've only got three more camps before the tournament, so I have to work with the team I trust most right now. All points matter the same - we can't treat Andorra lightly."

He even hinted the same players could start both games. "Guys are used to two or three matches a week. I don't see why they can't start Saturday and again on Tuesday."

Tuchel also hasn't forgotten the boos after June's flat performance against Andorra. He admitted the team's approach made things too easy for their opponents, who sat deep and slowed the game down.

"Andorra are better organized than people think," he added. "They've been playing in the same system under the same coach for years. It can feel like chewing gum trying to break them down, but we have to play with more energy and enthusiasm this time - and I'm sure we will."

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - EUROPE

Thursday

Kazakhstan - Wales 0-1 (0-1)

/Moore 24/

Georgia - Turkey 2-3 (0-2)

/Davitashvili 63, Kvaratskhelia 90+8 - Muldur 3, Akturkoglu 41, 52/

Lithuania - Malta 1-1 (0-0)

/Gineitis 90+6 pen - Satariano 83/

Luxembourg - Northern Ireland 1-3 (1-1)

/Dardari 30 - Reid 7, Charles 46, Devenny 69/

Slovakia - Germany 2-0 (1-0)

/Hancko 42, Strelec 55/

Bulgaria - Spain 0-3 (0-3)

/Oyarzabal 5, Cucurella 30, Merino 38/

Netherlands - Poland 1-1 (1-0)

/Dumfries 28 - Cash 80/

Liechtenstein - Belgium 0-6 (0-1)

/De Cuyper 29, Tielemans 46, Theate 60, 70 pen, De Bruyne 62, Fofana 90+1/

Friday

Denmark - Scotland 0-0

Faroe I. - Croatia 0-1 (0-1)

/Kramaric 31/

Greece - Belarus 5-1 (4-0)

/Karetsas 3, Pavlidis 17, Bakasetas 21, Kourbelis 36, Tzolis 63 - Barkovskiy 72 pen/

Iceland - Azerbaijan 5-0 (1-0)

/Palsson 45+2, Johannesson 47, 56, Gudmundsson 66, Hlynsson 73/

Italy - Estonia 5-0

/Kean 58, Retegui 69, 89, Raspadori 71, Bastoni 90+2/

Moldova - Israel 0-4 (0-2)

/Peretz 15, Solomon 35, Baribo 59, Gloukh 77/

Montenegro - Czech R. 0-2 (0-1)

/Cerv 3, Cerny 90+6/

Slovenia - Sweden 2-2 (0-1)

/Lovric 46, Vipotnik 90 - Elanga 18, Ayari 73/

Switzerland - Kosovo* 5-0 (4-0)

/Akanji 22, Embolo 25, 45, Widmer 39/

Ukraine - France 0-2 (0-1)

/Olise 10, Mbappe 82/

Saturday

16.00: (10.0) Latvia (5.10) Serbia (1.37)

19.00: (19.0) Armenia (7.75) Portugal (1.15)

19.00: (1.01) England (25.0) Andorra (70.0)

21.45: (1.10) Austria (10.0) Cyprus (30.0)

21.45: (2.65) R.Ireland (3.10) Hungary (2.85)

21.45: (75.0) San Marino (14.0) B&H (1.03)

***odds are subject to change***