There has been ongoing debate about where Declan Rice is most effective on the pitch. Some argue he excels as a holding midfielder, while others point to his influence in the final third, suggesting he’s better suited to a box to box role. Based on England’s squad selection and Rice’s early performances under Thomas Tuchel, it appears the former Chelsea manager favors deploying him in a more advanced role, a move that could increase his attacking output.  

Rice has already demonstrated his attacking potential in England’s first two World Cup qualifiers under Tuchel. Against Albania, he created five chances, following this up with a strong display against Latvia where he created three chances and registered a shot. These performances highlight his growing involvement in the final third, a trend also reflected in his Premier League form with Arsenal this season.  

During the 24/25 campaign, Rice averaged 1.52 shots per 90 across 35 league appearances, scoring four goals. Mikel Arteta has also utilized him in a more advanced role, with Rice shining in key moments - most notably his two stunning free kick goals in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid.

With Curtis Jones and Jordan Henderson providing midfield stability, Rice should have more freedom to push forward, particularly against weaker opposition like Andorra. Ranked 173rd in the world, Andorra have lost their first two qualifiers without scoring, making them the ideal opponents for Rice to contribute in attack. Only Harry Kane (3) outscored Rice (2) in England’s Nations League B campaign, where Rice averaged 1.0 shots per 90 across six games. 

Andorra have failed to score in their opening two qualifying matches against Latvia and Albania, England scored five goals against these same opponents in the opening two games of their qualifying period which highlights the gap in quality that exists between these sides.

England have won both of their qualifying games to nil so far under Thomas Tuchel, the main jeopardy for England here will be complacency and the fact that it’s their first away game under the new manager could also play a factor but this is likely to be minimal given the fact that Andorra are ranked 173rd in the world and didn’t even manage a shot in their 3-0 defeat to Albania last time out.

Bukayo Saka will be looking to make his mark under new England manager Thomas Tuchel after missing the previous international break through injury. This match represents the Arsenal winger's first chance to impress the new coaching staff, coming into a competitive environment where several players are vying for starting spots in the wide positions.  

During England's Nations League B campaign, Saka maintained an average of 0.87 shots on target per 90 minutes. That output could see an increase against an Andorra defense that has already allowed nine shots on target across their opening two World Cup qualifiers. His club performances suggest he's capable of greater attacking contributions, having averaged 1.19 shots on target per 90 in his 25 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this past season.  

With this being his debut opportunity under Tuchel's management, Saka will be determined to demonstrate his value to the squad. The match against weaker opposition provides an ideal scenario for him to showcase his attacking qualities and push for a more prominent role moving forward.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has started both of England’s World Cup Qualifying games so far under Thomas Tuchel, committing a foul in his second England appearance against Latvia. England committed 11 fouls in that game and nine fouls against Albania which suggests that there is still scope for England to commit a few fouls, despite being the side that will dominate this game.

England don’t have many options at left back at the moment with Lewis Hall injured, so Lewis-Skelly is the most obvious starter with the Arsenal man already impressing this campaign in an England shirt, scoring against Albania on his Three Lions debut. He will still have to prove to Thomas Tuchel that he can be trusted as a regular starter and an international away game is a good platform for that, even if it is against the lowest ranked side in England’s qualifying group. 

Lewis-Skelly regularly finds himself in central and even advanced areas as a modern full back which should increase his chances of committing a foul here. The 18-year-old committed 11 fouls across his 15 starts during the 24/25 Premier League season for Arsenal (0.72 per 90).

It’s hard to look past a comprehensive win for England here, they’re comfortably the best side in the group and face off against the worst ranked side in the group who have failed to win either of their opening qualifying games against Albania and Latvia, sides that England comfortably saw off at Wembley in Tuchel’s first few games in charge.

England have won both halves in each of those games at Wembley which would suggest that they are a few levels above their opposition in this group, which should lead to a seamless qualification period for Tuchel’s side. England should be able to continue their dominance in Group K against an Andorra side that looks destined to finish bottom of the group.