Thomas Tuchel criticized England’s performance in their 2-0 win against Andorra, stating they “lost focus and concentration.” Despite the victory and perfect qualifying record, the Three Lions faced backlash for an uninspired display. Tuchel emphasized the need to improve before facing Serbia. Declan Rice, who scored, acknowledged the difficulty against defensive opponents and highlighted the competition within the squad ahead of the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel has criticized England's performance in their recent 2-0 victory over Andorra in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, stating that the team "lost focus and concentration" at crucial moments during the match. Despite securing a win, the Three Lions have faced criticism for what many consider an uninspired display against a significantly weaker opponent.
The match saw England struggle to convert their dominance into goals, with an own goal from Andorra's Christian Garcia in the first half breaking the deadlock. Declan Rice added a second goal with a header in the 67th minute, ultimately sealing the victory for England and maintaining their perfect record in the qualifying group with four wins from four matches.
Despite the win, England manager Gareth Southgate faced questions about the team's lackluster performance. While they enjoyed a massive 83% possession and registered seven shots on target, the overall tempo and creativity in the final third were notably lacking. This raised concerns among fans and pundits alike, especially considering the perceived gulf in quality between England and Andorra.
England's win marks their sixth consecutive victory in World Cup qualifiers, and they remain unbeaten in their last 35 such matches (W27 D8). Their last defeat in a World Cup qualifier dates back to October 2009 against Ukraine (1-0), highlighting their consistent record in these competitions. However, the manner of the victory against Andorra has prompted Tuchel's criticism and calls for improvement as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.
Job done
Thank you for your support, Villa Park! pic.twitter.com/V5VzTjAv85
— England (@England) September 6, 2025
Tuchel reflected on the game, stating, "The energy was right, the quality was there, and we should have scored more. After the first goal, we had 10 to 15 minutes with too many ball losses. Lost the focus and concentration, but in the second half we found it again, and, like I said, we should have scored more. I think we missed the little moments to accelerate the game."
Tuchel further emphasized the importance of learning from this match, particularly as they gear up to face Serbia in Belgrade. "The group played with the exact same attitude as we trained; we will prove the point in Belgrade. We will learn a lot from next Tuesday night. We are ready for it; it is a crucial game for us. We can make a huge step in qualification."
Declan Rice, who scored England's second goal and partnered with debutant Elliot Anderson in midfield, acknowledged the challenges posed by Andorra's defensive setup. He stated, "The most important thing was a win. I think it has been difficult so far in the four group games we've had because every team has played a back five. Expectations of everyone is to score five or six, I'd imagine. It is obviously not as easy as that when teams come and camp on the edge of the box."
Rice also highlighted the competitive environment within the squad, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon. "The competition is high with the World Cup at the end of the season. I've been attacking the box really well and missed two opportunities in the first half, but you keep arriving in the right spaces, and the ball will come. Luckily enough, I arrived in the right spot and scored a good header."
England's upcoming match against Serbia is seen as a significant test in their World Cup qualifying campaign. A victory in Belgrade would not only solidify their position at the top of the group but also serve as a statement of intent, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure against a stronger opponent. Gareth Southgate will be keen to address the issues highlighted by Tuchel and ensure that his team maintains focus and concentration throughout the match, translating their dominance into a more convincing performance.
The game against Serbia provides England with an opportunity to fine-tune their tactics, improve their attacking efficiency, and demonstrate the depth and quality of their squad. It is a chance for players to stake their claim for a place in the starting lineup and prove their worth ahead of the World Cup. The focus will be on maintaining a high tempo, creating clear-cut chances, and converting those chances into goals. England will need to be more clinical in front of goal and more resilient in defense if they are to achieve their ambitions of winning the World Cup.
Ultimately, the victory against Andorra served its purpose in securing three points and maintaining England's perfect record in the qualifying group. However, the performance was far from convincing, and it is clear that there is room for improvement. Tuchel's comments serve as a reminder that England must maintain their focus and concentration throughout every match, regardless of the opposition, if they are to achieve their goals. The upcoming match against Serbia will be a crucial test of their ability to do so.