England’s Tuchel Calls for Relentless Play Against Andorra in Qualifier

BARCELONA, Spain — England manager Thomas Tuchel is urging his players to deliver a relentless performance against Andorra in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday. The match, taking place at the RCDE Stadium, follows a long season for the players, and Tuchel acknowledges the challenge they face.

England currently sits at the top of Group K, boasting a perfect record after two matches, while Andorra is at the bottom with two losses. Tuchel said he wants a win that feels secure. He expressed the need for players to manage their energy and pacing during the game.

“It will be on us to get going, to keep the tempo high, and to bring attacking energy,” Tuchel said during a press conference. “I fully understand that this is not the easiest time of the season for an international break.”

The German coach emphasized the importance of patience and persistence from his team. He noted, “It can be demanding, but the players are happy to be here. We’re quite new together, and I trust that we will do what is necessary to get the result we want.”

England enters the match as heavy favorites, facing a team ranked 173rd in the world. Tuchel is not looking to experiment with the lineup but instead focusing on their attacking strategies. “The focus will be on our hunger for the game and our reaction after losing the ball,” he said.

Andorra is known for its well-disciplined defense, and Tuchel pointed out the need to balance patience with the urgency to score. He advised respecting the opponent’s strengths to avoid becoming frustrated if the scoring does not come quickly.

About 6,800 England fans are expected to support the team in Catalonia. The squad has spent the week acclimating to the warm weather ahead of next summer’s World Cup, focusing on how to cope with the heat during matches.

“We’ve worked on how players respond to the heat because the World Cup could be hot and humid,” Tuchel explained. “This will help us prepare individual cooling systems and electrolyte drinks for them.”

Ollie Watkins has withdrawn from the squad due to a minor injury, while Harry Kane is set to captain the team. Tuchel emphasized the need for concentration on the Andorra match before considering future games, including a friendly against Senegal and the subsequent Club World Cup.

“It’s full focus on the World Cup qualifier tomorrow,” Tuchel concluded.