Harry Kane saved his team from embarrassment. © ANSA / Enric Fontcuberta

Kane redeems England against football dwarf Andorra

Harry Kane saved England and coach Thomas Tuchel from embarrassment in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

June 07, 2025

From: dpa

The FC Bayern Munich striker scored the only goal in Barcelona's narrow 1-0 (0-0) victory against football dwarfs Andorra shortly after halftime. With three wins from three matches, the "Three Lions" remain on course for next year's finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Only the group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup; the runner-up must advance to the playoffs.

Kane admitted that improvement is necessary, even though June international matches at the end of a long season are never easy. "It's not a game many will remember. We had good periods, take the three points and move on," the 31-year-old told ITV.

Tuchel remains unbeaten

Tuchel's team had significantly more possession and were clearly superior against the 173rd-ranked team in the world, but struggled enormously in front of goal. Bayern's Kane and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham missed their best opportunities in the first half. The hosts, led by Pau Babot of German fifth-division side Hanauer SC, repeatedly managed to disrupt the attacks of the star-studded squad of the fourth-ranked team in the world.

England struggled against Andorra. © APA/afp / MANAURE QUINTERO

After the break, Kane provided the redemption with his third goal in the third qualifying match. The Bayern striker was initially denied by the strong Andorran goalkeeper Iker Álvarez. The Bundesliga pro then steered the subsequent pass from Chelsea's Noni Madueke under the bar in the 50th minute. Tuchel's team missed several chances to score further goals in the remainder of the match. The narrow victory means the German coach remains unbeaten and hasn't conceded a goal in his third match.