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Featured Sport News

Andorra given little hope

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 09/06/2009

England will be in touching distance of the World Cup Finals should they brush minnows Andorra aside at Wembley on Wednesday night.

The English public expects a comfortable victory - and so do the sportsbooks - to add to the three points already secured from Saturday's 4-0 win over Kazakhstan.

Andorra can be politely described as Group Six whipping boys as five games have garnered precisely five defeats.

Coach David Rodrigo's side have scored just one and conceded 14 goals during the campaign to date and will surely be little more than cannon fodder for Fabio Capello's all-star squad.

Three previous meetings have all resulted in comfortable wins for England and it's hard to argue with the football betting odds which have the tiny principality sandwiched in the Pyrenees between France and Spain as long as 80-1 to cause a major upset.

Earlier in this qualifying campaign, England were 2-0 winners over Andorra in Barcelona courtesy of two Joe Cole goals.

During their ill-fated attempt to qualify for Euro 2008 under former coach Steve McClaren, they also side ran out 3-0 winners away and 5-0 at home with little drama.

But despite everything pointing to another straightforward England victory at Wembley on Wednesday - Andorra's three wins during their ten-year history have all come at home - the tiny nation have developed the reputation of being spoilers.

In the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, no other nation received more red and yellow cards than Andorra.

Wayne Rooney needs no reminder of the often questionable tactics employed by the Andorran defence as the fiery Manchester United striker has come in for some rough treatment in the three previous encounters.

Head coach Fabio Capello could therefore opt for a more steel in his side to cope with Andorra's unique demands.

It will be a difficult balancing act for the Italian as he will be keen to blood some inexperienced members of his squad but realises that anything less than a comprehensive victory will be viewed as a disappointment.

Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill, a late call-up for the injured Rio Ferdinand, would fit the bill perfectly as he is a no-nonsense defender who is lacking international experience.

Shaun Wright-Phillips or even David Beckham may be more viable options on the right side of midfield than a sometimes lightweight Theo Walcott.

Up front expect Emile Heskey to be given the nod and Carlton Cole to make an appearance at some point as Capello looks for additional muscle.

Bruising captain John Terry and durable midfielder Gareth Barry will also be key men, while the experience of veteran full-back Gary Neville - a surprise inclusion after 18 months in the international wilderness - may prove invaluable.

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