Why was England playing Andorra at Villa Park instead of Wembley? Turns out, Coldplay had Wembley booked! Yes, the iconic stadium was unavailable due to Coldplay's World Tour commitments, forcing the Football Association to find an alternative venue for the World Cup qualifier.
Villa Park in Birmingham stepped up to the plate, hosting the Three Lions against Andorra. The match, a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup held in the USA, Canada and Mexico, saw England continue their campaign. Coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Harry Kane would start the match.
Kane Leads the Charge
Tuchel emphasized the importance of the match, stating, "Yes, Harry Kane will start. We have many players, and that means we will start with the team we trust the most and the best possible. The competition is open because at the end of the season we have a World Cup." He further elaborated that he wasn't focused on experiments, prioritizing the first match.
Tuchel also dismissed concerns about players starting both matches of the international window, highlighting that players routinely play two games a week during the regular season. England was set to host Andorra at Villa Park before traveling to face Serbia.
Villa Park: A Stadium Rich in History
"We are happy to play at Villa Park, another stadium full of history," Tuchel stated, acknowledging the significance of the venue. With a capacity of 42,000, Villa Park provided a suitable alternative to Wembley, ensuring a passionate atmosphere for the World Cup qualifier.
So, while Bafana Bafana weren't involved directly, South African football fans could appreciate the logistical challenges and the excitement surrounding a World Cup qualifying match, even with a slightly unusual venue.