England rout Andorra to edge closer to World Cup berth

Andorra La Vella, Andorra, Oct 9 (EFE).- England’s national soccer team got a masterful performance from young midfielder Phil Foden in a 5-0 rout here Saturday of Andorra, a win that moves them closer to a berth in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Gareth Southgate’s men dominated from start to finish at Andorra’s National Stadium and were cheered on by around 900 English fans who had made the trip.

The Three Lions nearly scored in the 12th minute on a play that the 21-year-old Foden initiated with an outstanding cross to defender Ben Chilwell, who nearly set up Tammy Abraham for a goal at the far post.

Minutes later, James Ward-Prowse almost scored directly off a corner kick, but goalie Josep Gomes managed to keep the ball out of the goal.

But Chilwell opened the scoring in the 17th minute on a play that was set up by Foden; although the goal was initially waved off for offside, it was later allowed after a VAR review.

England then doubled their lead six minutes before halftime when Bukayo Saka scored with a potent shot off an assist by Foden.

Abraham scored in the 58th minute after receiving a cross from the left side from Jadon Sancho and finishing with a delicate touch, and then England stretched their lead further after earning a penalty opportunity when Jack Grealish was fouled in the area by Andorran defender Txus Rubio.

Ward-Prowse’s attempt from the spot in the 77th minute was saved by Gomes, but the Southampton midfielder scored off the deflection to make the score 4-0.

Grealish then scored one final goal in the 85th minute off a spectacular assist from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Andorra’s next match will be against San Marino on Tuesday. England, who lead Group I with 19 points with seven games played and three remaining, will square off that day against Hungary at Wembley Stadium in London.

EFE

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