England go into this World Cup qualifier in Andorra with a slight amount of pressure on them after the frustration of the draw in Poland and the fact that they conceded a last-minute equalizer.
This squad has a slightly different look to it with the inclusion of players that have been on the fringes such as Ollie Watkins, James Ward-Prowse, and Aaron Ramsdale.
It is a game that England will be confident of winning such is the strength of their attacking firepower compared to that of Andorra’s. Especially Tammy Abraham, a rejuvenated figure since he moved to Roma, and defensive solidity too with the inclusion of Fikayo Tomori, back in the squad after a long time out.
It is a game that Kieran Tripper will be captain of for England, an indication of the flexibility within this team and the allowance of other players to have responsibility.
He has captained the national team once before against Wales in a friendly, but the heightened pressure of this game means it is first proper chance at leading the team and is a reward for his consistent service.
Trippier is one of five England players to play abroad and one of three in this squad alongside Tomori and Abraham and the trio have all experienced a rebirth since they moved which has validated their decision.
To confirm qualification, England must beat Andorra tomorrow and then Hungary at Wembley on Tuesday. Southgate said, “that is the task over the next six days, to get six points”.
After the heartbreak of the summer, it is time to regroup, progress and then deliver the dream in Qatar at a World Cup set in the festive period, a rarity indicative of the strangeness of having it in such a country.