Thomas Tuchel’s men had to be patient when these sides met in June, and that was also the case at Villa Park, with Andorra deploying every tactic to keep the hosts out.
Even so, debutant Elliot Anderson dictated play and Noni Madueke showed intent, and the pair linked up to tee up Eberechi Eze for a shot that was saved before Madueke saw a strike of his own blocked by Éric Vales.
Eze then had his attempt denied by a last-ditch Max Llovera intervention before a threatening Reece James cross agonisingly evaded Harry Kane and Madueke.
England didn’t have to wait too much longer for an opener, though, as Madueke’s cross took a flick off Christian García’s head on its way past Iker Álvarez in the 25th minute.
Despite going behind, the Tricolors remained compact, and García reached Declan Rice’s inviting corner ahead of Kane, who headed over shortly after.
Madueke created another chance five minutes after the restart that resulted in Álvarez saving Eze’s attempt, before Marcus Rashford disappointingly sent his strike wide.
The Andorran goalkeeper then made a brilliant save to deny Anderson a debut goal and atone for his own lax pass. Ian Olivera fired over at the other end as Andorra showed some extra attacking intent without troubling Jordan Pickford.
However, they were left helpless by a pinpoint James cross in the 67th minute that Declan Rice headed home.
Tuchel made a flurry of substitutions after the second goal, but Morgan Gibbs-White’s attempt from Madueke’s cross was routinely held by Álvarez.
England still comfortably extended their perfect record in WCQ to its fourth match ahead of their meeting with Serbia, who are currently the Three Lions’ closest competitors in the group. Rooted to the bottom of the table, Andorra suffered the 60th WCQ defeat in their history.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Elliot Anderson (England)