England continue their unbeaten run in the World Cup qualifiers with a 5-0 win over Andorra at Estadio Nacional.
Gareth Southgate’s side dominated possession — totalling 86 per cent — which was rewarded with goals.
Ben Chilwell, in his first start for England since March, opened up the scoring after 17 minutes.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka doubled England’s lead five minutes prior to half-time. The forward smashed the ball past goalkeeper Josep Gomes Moreira at the near post.
Tammy Abraham sealed his return to the England squad with a goal of his own. Another pinpoint cross from Jadon Sancho set up the Roma striker to give Sancho his second assist of the match.
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse added his name to the scoresheet in the 79th minute. His penalty, won by substitute Jack Grealish, was saved by Gomes Moreira but Ward-Prowse followed it up to see it over the line on the second time of asking.
Grealish scored his first goal for England four minutes before full-time to make it 5-0. A stunning long throw by England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone set Grealish through on goal.
England remain top of Group I with 19 points, four ahead of Albania in second.
(Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
October 9, 2021 at 5:06 PM EDT
Thank you for joining us on our live blog of the England game.
For more, be sure to head over to our website for all the long reads, news stories and quirky pieces your brain can take!
Until next time.
October 9, 2021 at 4:55 PM EDT
Yes, you read that right.
Jack Grealish's goal tonight was his first for the senior England team – which seems bizarre.
And I'm not making this up because Opta have my back.
1 – Jack Grealish has scored his very first goal for England (16th cap) with what was his 10th attempt on goal for the Three Lions. Impact. pic.twitter.com/bxtrTcpbQ6
October 9, 2021 at 4:45 PM EDT
Thoroughly dominant display from England, as expected.
Goals from Chilwell, Saka, Abraham, Ward-Prowse and Grealish saw Andorra off to put England on 19 points atop Group I, four points ahead of second-placed Albania.
Gareth Southgate's men had 17 shots to Andorra's one and scored five of their eight on target. A clinical performance with lots of chances despite the team being far from full strength.
October 9, 2021 at 4:35 PM EDT
After catching an Andorra free-kick, England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone hurls an inch-perfect throw to Jack Grealish into Andorra's half.
The Manchester City man then went on a jinking run before slotting his near-post finish between the defender's legs. Quality counter-attack from England in a game which they've not had less than 85% of the ball!
October 9, 2021 at 4:24 PM EDT
After having his spot kick saved, James Ward-Prowse scores his second international goal from the rebound.
Tammy Abraham has also been replaced by Ollie Watkins after the goal.
October 9, 2021 at 4:23 PM EDT
Jack Grealish and Mason Mount come on for Jadon Sancho and Jesse Lingard respectively.
Those should maintain the momentum in England's game.
And, just as I type that, Grealish has been fouled in the box and England have a penalty! Talk about an instant impact.
October 9, 2021 at 4:09 PM EDT
On comes Fikayo Tomori for John Stones.
The AC Milan defender is making only his second appearance for the England men's team.
October 9, 2021 at 4:06 PM EDT
England make it three early in the second half as Tammy Abraham scores from close range. Jadon Sancho's inviting cross found the Roma striker in acres of space in the box.
Hate to say I told you so but Abraham is cooking.
October 9, 2021 at 3:48 PM EDT
The Arsenal winger makes history after scoring England's second goal of the night.
20 – Bukayo Saka (20y 34d) is the youngest player to score in consecutive appearances for the England men's team since Wayne Rooney in 2004 (18y 241d), while he is the youngest ever @Arsenal player to net in consecutive games for the Three Lions. Star. pic.twitter.com/dsk3GUDds0
October 9, 2021 at 3:37 PM EDT
So far, so good for England. Despite a few petulant yellow cards, Gareth Southgate's team have controlled the game and created some decent chances against a deep-sitting Andorra side.
Tammy Abraham is also playing like he has a point to prove, dropping deep and showcasing link-up play many England fans would associate with a certain Harry Kane.
October 9, 2021 at 3:29 PM EDT
England have been bubbling on their right side, with Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka in particular getting some joy.
Foden played another incisive pass into the Arsenal man which set him up to double England's lead with a cool finish.
Jinx? What jinx?
October 9, 2021 at 3:25 PM EDT
England have enjoyed *checks notes* 90% possession of the ball in the first 35 minutes.
Not sure about you, but I haven't seen possession stats reach the 90s in… well… ever.
I've jinxed it now, haven't I?
October 9, 2021 at 3:06 PM EDT
Phil Foden played a delightful lofted pass to Jadon Sancho in the box, who controlled and played in Ben Chilwell who scored his first England goal.
After a lengthy VAR consultation, the Sancho run was ruled onside and the goal stands. 1-0 England.
October 9, 2021 at 2:57 PM EDT
With a wealth of attacking options in the starting XI, many were left scratching their heads as to how Gareth Southgate would line England up.
In the early stages, it looks as though Bukayo Saka is playing as a right winger, while Jesse Lingard has taken up an advanced midfield role ahead of James Ward-Prowse.
Keep an eye on that though as it might change as the game goes on. Still 0-0 with 11 minutes gone.
October 9, 2021 at 2:53 PM EDT
We're underway at the Estadi Nacional!
As the line up suggests, England have a lot of players forward and are camped outside Andorra's box.
The ball's only been in England's half for a few seconds after Andorra's long goal kick.
October 9, 2021 at 2:01 PM EDT
Scotland come from behind to beat Isreal 3-2. After missing a penalty, Lyndon Dykes' second-half equaliser was followed by Manchester United's Scott McTominay winner in the 94th minute.
That win puts Scotland in second place in Group F on 14 points, four behind leaders Denmark who play Moldova in around 45 minutes.
October 9, 2021 at 1:27 PM EDT
England XI: Johnstone; Trippier (c), Stones, Coady, Chilwell; Ward-Prowse, Saka, Foden; Lingard, Sancho, Abraham
Subs: Ramsdale, Pickford, Walker, Henderson, Tomori, Mings, Rice, Sterling, Mount, Kane, Grealish, Watkins
Andorra XI: Gomes, Martinez, Vales (c), Rebes, Vieira, Sanchez, Chus Rubio, Llovera, Marc Garcia, Jordi Rubio
Subs: Alvarez, Pires, Emili Garcia, Ildefons Lima, Pujol, Moreno, Alaez, De Pablos, Cervos, Fernandez
October 9, 2021 at 12:46 PM EDT
Southgate will undoubtedly be happy with England’s performances so far during their World Cup qualifiers.
England are unbeaten in six games, winning five and drawing one.
The group standings are:
October 9, 2021 at 12:26 PM EDT
In their most recent clash, England hosted Andorra at Wembley on September 5.
Gareth Southgate’s side put on an impressive performance in their 4-0 win.
A brace for Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard and a goal apiece for captain Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka helped England stay top of Group I.
October 9, 2021 at 12:09 PM EDT
There is plenty of other international football that just kicked off to help fill the gap while we all wait for England vs Andorra.
Scotland host Israel in what is a key game for both teams who are separated by just one point.
Hampden Park has its biggest crowd for a Scotland game for the first time in four years!
Bit of a spoiler, Scotland are currently losing 1-0 after Zahavi curled a free-kick into the top corner in the opening five minutes.