Euro 2020 runners-up continued their dominance in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign by beating Andorra 5-0. Tammy Abraham scored on his return to the national team, as did Ben Chilwell and James Ward-Prowse.
Gareth Southgate’s men early dominance paid off in the 17th minute when Ben Chilwell – who did not play a single minute at the Euros despite being in the squad – put them ahead.
Phil Foden played a crucial role in the build-up as he spotted Jadon Sancho’s run before picking him out with an inch-perfect long pass. Manchester United wing-man brought the ball under his control before flicking it to Chilwell for the finish.
Foden played quarterback again in the 40th minute, as he picked out Bukayo Saka with another superb pass over the Andorra defence. Saka controlled the ball before finishing past the goalkeeper with ease.
Abraham got in on the act in the 59th minute; the AS Roma striker reached a cross from Sancho ahead of the opposition goalkeeper, who was caught in no man’s land as the ball ended up in the back of the net.
England were presented with an opportunity to punish their opponents even further when Jack Grealish was clumsily brought down inside the box in the 77th minute.
James Ward-Prowse stepped up to take the spot-kick and had it saved by the goalkeeper before turning in the rebound. Grealish added his name on the scoresheet four minutes from full-time when he collected a long throw from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in his stride, took it on, and beat the opposition defenders and ultimately the goalkeeper.
Unbeaten England stay four clear at the top of their qualification group. However, both Albania and Poland kept up the chase by beating their respective opponents. A solitary strike from Chelsea loanee Armando Broja helped Albania beat Hungary 1-0, while Poland thrashed San Marino 5-0.
