Why is England vs Andorra World Cup qualifier being played at Villa Park and not Wembley?

England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra is being played at Villa Park because Wembley has been booked for a Coldplay concert. The Three Lions play the majority of their home matches at the national stadium.

However, as the 90,000-capacity venue is hosting the Chris Martin-led band on Saturday night, the FA had to find an alternative venue. It’s not the first time England have played away from Wembley this year, with Nottingham Forest’s City Ground hosting the friendly defeat to Senegal in June.

The Andorra qualifier will be Villa Park’s first England fixture since 2005, a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands. Aston Villa’s home hosted several England games in the early 2000s when Wembley was being rebuilt, including Sven Goran Eriksson’s first match as manager in 2001, a 3-0 friendly victory over Spain.

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Speaking following the venue announcement earlier this year, England boss Thomas Tuchel, who managed at Villa Park during his time as Chelsea boss, said: "We are excited to play at Villa Park, another stadium full of history.

“I know from my own visits to the stadium this season that it is capable of creating an outstanding atmosphere and is located close to St. George's Park, which is a positive for our preparation. We hope to be able to generate another special atmosphere and create a memorable occasion for all fans.”

There are both new and returning faces in the England squad. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back in the fold for the first time in six years following his late addition to the squad after Adam Wharton’s withdrawal due to injury.

Meanwhile, new boys Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence are looking to impress Tuchel. The German will be without defender John Stones, who pulled out of the squad through injury on Friday. Tuchel said: “Unfortunately, John Stones just left.

“He came with minor issues, muscular issues, to camp and didn’t progress as we thought and hoped he would. So, he left camp this morning because we will not take the risk. Everyone else is available.”

Stones, who has 83 senior England caps, was eyeing up his first minutes under Tuchel. The centre-back last played for his country against Finland in October 2024, and missed the first two World Cup qualifying games with a hamstring injury.

Tuchel will be hoping for a better display than against Senegal and during the reverse fixture against Andorra when England laboured to a 1-0 victory over the football minnows in Barcelona.

Following the Andorra game, England, who lead Group K with three wins out of three, face a much sterner test away to Serbia on Tuesday.

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