Roma marksman Tammy Abraham was on the scoresheet as England dismantled Iberian minnows Andorra 5-0 on the road in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday night. England boss Gareth Southgate handed the ex-Chelsea striker his first international start in a competitive match, and the 24-year-old didn’t cease to amaze.
England’s thumping victory over the Iberian microstate has moved them a step closer to securing an automatic qualifying spot for Qatar 2022. The Three Lions have maintained their outrageous World Cup qualification start, having won six of their seven Group I fixtures, barring a 1-1 away draw with Poland back in September.
Seeking their first World Cup title since 1966, the Three Lions are on course of reaching next year’s showpiece, which would mark their seventh straight World Cup finals appearance. Unless some major upsets take place in the final three qualifying rounds, England should see out their four-point lead over second-placed Poland.
Though he may surrender his place in Southgate’s starting line-up to Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane in the upcoming qualifying fixture against Hungary, Abraham has every reason to glitter. The 24-year-old marked his first competitive England start with a goal, registering only his first international strike since November 2019 when he scored against Montenegro in a Euro 2020 qualifier.
Abraham, who joined Roma from Chelsea on a five-year deal in the summer, has been nothing short of exceptional this season. Guided by Jose Mourinho, the English forward has clocked up four goals and three assists in ten competitive outings. He has already shown his ability to shine when stakes are high, netting two goals and assisting three in seven Serie A matches.
Therefore, it’s fair to say that Abraham’s return to the national team isn’t random.