Talking points as England look for improved performance against Andorra

England kick off a season they hope to end with World Cup glory with Saturday’s qualifier against minnows Andorra.

Ahead of the Villa Park encounter, the PA news agency looks at five of the main talking points.

How will England respond to June disappointment?

Thomas Tuchel’s honeymoon period came to a crashing end in June as England were booed off twice in the space of four days. A 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal – the national team’s first ever loss to African opposition – at the City Ground compounded a lifeless 1-0 qualification win against 173rd-ranking Andorra. Candid head coach Tuchel felt the Euro 2024 runners-up “played with fire” due to their lack of “seriousness and urgency”, with skipper Harry Kane admitting they “got away with it”.

Thomas Tuchel’s team head to Villa Park

England continue their journey on the road with a trip to Villa Park. With Wembley otherwise engaged for Coldplay concerts this weekend, Thomas Tuchel’s side will be hoping Aston Villa’s home will be their ‘Paradise’ against the European minnows. England have not played in Birmingham since a 0-0 draw with Netherlands in 2005, but a sold-out crowd will be expecting more goals this time. Villa Park is a ground renowned for its atmosphere and locals will be hoping to see home favourites Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa in action.

Elliot Anderson set for debut?

Elliot Anderson will be hoping a remarkable 15 months ends with the ultimate accolade of winning a first England cap. The midfielder, part of the famous Wallsend Boys Club alumni, swapped Newcastle for Nottingham Forest in a PSR-led transfer in the summer of 2024, but his career has soared since. He helped Forest to European qualification for the first time in 30 years before playing a starring role in the Under-21s’ European Championship glory this summer. Anderson, who turned his back on the chance to represent Scotland in 2023, was rewarded with a call-up to the senior squad and now has the chance to cement his position heading into a World Cup year. James Trafford, Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence are also hoping to win their first cap.

Djed Spence to make history?

Villa Park could witness a landmark moment if Djed Spence wins his first cap. The Tottenham full-back was surprised to get last Friday’s call-up having not spoken to England boss Thomas Tuchel before, and even more amazed to hear he could make history as he is understood to be the first Muslim footballer to represent the senior men’s team. It is a historic moment at the end of a tough journey for Spence, who had to wait two and a half years to make his full Tottenham debut after joining the club in 2022. A Europa League winner, the versatile full-back has a chance to play his way into World Cup contention.

Transfer deadline day distractions over?

Several of England’s players come into this England camp on the back of an unsettled time at their clubs at the start of the season. Marc Guehi is hoping to be back on the pitch at Villa Park, having scored for Crystal Palace against Villa last weekend in what he thought was going to be his last game for the club, only for his deadline-day move to Liverpool to fall through 24 hours later. Konsa, who was sent off on the opening day of the season, has said Villa have been distracted by battles with financial rules, with Rogers and Watkins also not firing yet. Dan Burn has also been part of a Newcastle team which has been affected by Alexander Isak’s transfer saga.