England secured a 1-0 win over Andorra in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, but head coach Thomas Tuchel was far from impressed. Despite earning three valuable points, the performance left much to be desired, with Tuchel openly criticizing the team’s lack of urgency and competitive edge.
The match-winning goal from Harry Kane came early in the game, but England failed to build on their lead or exert meaningful dominance over a clearly outmatched Andorran side. For Tuchel, the lack of intensity was a glaring issue.
"I didn’t like it," Tuchel admitted post-match. "There was no urgency, no hunger to finish the job. We were too casual, and that’s not acceptable."
The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager has built his reputation on tactical discipline and demanding performances from his players. That expectation was clearly not met, as England coasted through much of the game without showing the ruthless mentality Tuchel wants embedded in his squad.
Although the Three Lions controlled possession and territory, their inability to break down Andorra's low block or create significant chances beyond the early goal highlighted concerns about creativity and finishing under pressure.
Tuchel’s dissatisfaction signals a broader issue: complacency. As one of the teams expected to challenge for the 2026 World Cup title, England must meet a much higher standard, especially against elite opponents. The Andorra fixture, while technically a success on paper, served as a stark reminder that results alone won’t satisfy Tuchel’s vision for the national team.
Across the qualifiers, several favored nations have faced unexpected setbacks, reinforcing the idea that no match can be taken lightly. England’s underwhelming display contributes to that growing unpredictability on the road to the tournament.
Tuchel’s challenge now is to refocus his squad and reestablish the intensity that’s required at the international level. With tougher fixtures on the horizon, England must raise their game if they intend to make a serious run at World Cup glory in 2026.