England fans have done full 180 on one player picked by Thomas Tuchel in Andorra win
England supporters took to social media on Saturday evening to share their reactions after watching Thomas Tuchel’s side in action during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Andorra. The match was held at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, rather than in Andorra, due to the unavailability of the Estadi Nacional, which had recently hosted the Games of the Small States of Europe.
Despite entering the match as clear favourites, England struggled to live up to expectations for large stretches of the game. Andorra, ranked well below the Three Lions in the FIFA rankings, proved to be a stubborn and disciplined opponent. The minnows sat deep, frustrated the visitors with their compact defending, and limited England’s attacking opportunities throughout the first half.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, it was England captain Harry Kane who eventually broke the deadlock early in the second half. The breakthrough came in the 50th minute after sustained pressure from the visitors, with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke playing a key role in the build-up. Madueke’s clever play on the wing helped carve open the Andorran defence before he delivered the assist that set up Kane’s finish inside the box.
Despite dominating possession and continuing to press for a second goal, Tuchel’s side were unable to add to their tally. A combination of missed chances and resolute defending from Andorra meant the match finished with a narrow 1-0 victory for England.
The slim scoreline may not have been what fans expected, but many supporters were full of praise for Noni Madueke’s performance. The young Chelsea star was a somewhat controversial inclusion in the starting lineup, having been preferred over West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen when Tuchel announced his squad. However, Madueke quickly silenced critics with an energetic display full of attacking intent and creativity.
Social media was awash with positive comments from fans highlighting Madueke’s influence on the game.
One fan posted: “Madueke been really good tbf.”
Another wrote: “Madueke has looked brilliant for England today, deserves his assist.”
A third added: “Noni Madueke has been England’s most creative player in this game.”
Someone else chimed in: “Big fan of Madueke.”
And a fifth commented: “Noni Madueke has been the best player on the park and the only player who looked likely creating anything from the left wing. Food for thought.”
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown, providing commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live, also singled out Madueke for his contribution to the goal. “Finally,” he said. “Madueke involved and when it comes back in, he manages to get there. Kane, yet again, he is the leader. It is another goal for him and he was in the right place at the right time.”
With the three points secured, Thomas Tuchel and his squad will now shift their focus to their next match — a friendly fixture against Senegal on Tuesday night at the City Ground in Nottingham. Fans will be hoping to see a more fluid attacking performance and possibly more of Madueke, whose showing against Andorra has certainly given the England boss something to think about moving forward.