England will aim to secure another routine three points in World Cup 2022 Qualifying when they travel to Andorra in Group I on Saturday night.

The Three Lions have taken 16 points from a possible 18 to sit pretty at the top of the pile, whereas Andorra are second from bottom after a run of largely expected results.

Match preview

Andorra's far-fetched dreams of top spot in Group I are now officially dead in the water, and Koldo Alvarez's side will be anticipating the final whistle blowing in World Cup 2022 Qualifying given their dismal run of results so far.

The world's 156th-ranked nation did claim a morale-boosting 2-0 win over whipping boys San Marino last month but have otherwise lost their other five matches in Group I, results which have left them fifth in the group and only capable of achieving an audacious second place.

With only four goals scored and 14 conceded in Group I, Andorra were never going to be serious contenders for a top-two finish and first-ever appearance at a World Cup Finals, although they were able to give Hungary a good run for their money in a 2-1 defeat during their most recent game.

Alvarez's side will eye another three points in the group next week, though, as a trip to San Marino awaits before next month's final fixtures with Poland and Albania, but they can take confidence in the fact that they are unbeaten in two at home and have not shipped a single goal in that time.

England were able to afford two dropped points against the other Group I powerhouses in Poland last time out, but the manner of the draw was certainly frustrating, as Harry Kane's opener was cancelled out by Damian Szymanski's equaliser right at the death.

However, the Euro 2020 runners-up eased to five consecutive victories before the stalemate with Paulo Sousa's side and are not expected to lose their grip on top spot now, with Gareth Southgate's side four points clear of second-placed surprise package Albania at the top of the pile.

Only Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands can top the 18 goals that England have notched up during their six games of Qualifying so far, while only two goals shipped represents the kind of defensive resilience that Three Lions fans have become accustomed to before, during and after that magical run to the Euro 2020 final.

Southgate's side prepare for a more daunting tie with Hungary three days after this game - although their 4-0 thrashing of the Magyars last month was overshadowed by abhorrent acts of a section of Hungary fans - and their spot at Qatar 2022 could very well be wrapped up following the conclusion of this international break.

England's September fixtures included a 4-0 thrashing of Andorra in front of the Wembley crowd, and the Three Lions have won all five of their previous meetings with the minnows without conceding a single goal since their first meeting in 2006.

Team News

Andorra's discipline - or lack of - has bedevilled them during Qualifying, with three players in Albert Alavedra, Marcio Vieira and Moises San Nicolas suspended for an accumulation of bookings.

Alvarez's ranks will at least be boosted by the return of four players who served bans against Hungary, with Christian Garcia, Marc Rebes, Chus Rubio and Marc Vales all back in the fold.

Vales struck both of his side's goals in the win over San Marino and ought to earn an immediate recall to the first XI here, while 41-year-old Ildefons Lima is another defensive option amid his side's suspension crisis.

England have seen Reece James and Kalvin Phillips withdraw from the squad in recent days - with Ben Chilwell and James Ward-Prowse being called upon to fill in - while Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham are nowhere to be seen.

Tyrone Mings was suspended for the Poland clash but could return here in place of the absent Maguire, while Declan Rice and Kyle Walker will miss the Hungary clash if they are cautioned here and may not be risked.

There are also concerns over talisman Harry Kane given his injury record and state of the hosts' pitch, so Ollie Watkins or the recently-recalled Tammy Abraham could lead the line this weekend.

Andorra possible starting lineup:
Alvarez; Rubio, C. Garcia, Vales, Llovera, M. Garcia; Alaez, Pujol, Vieira, Cervos; Cucu

England possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Trippier, Stones, Mings, Chilwell; Henderson, Ward-Prowse, Mount; Saka, Abraham, Foden

We say: Andorra 0-3 England

Southgate will certainly be tempted to hold some of his big-hitters back for this game, but the likes of Bukayo Saka and Jesse Lingard will have fond memories of their most recent meeting with Andorra.

Alvarez's side may have gone two games without conceding a goal on their own turf, but any chances of a third positive result on the bounce are slim to none - this should be another routine Three Lions victory.

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