Reason why England vs Andorra isn't at Wembley with Villa Park hosting World Cup qualifier

England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra will take place at Villa Park because Wembley has been reserved for a Coldplay concert. The Three Lions typically play the majority of their home fixtures at the national stadium.

But with the 90,000-capacity venue accommodating Chris Martin's band on Saturday evening, the FA was forced to secure an alternative ground. It marks another occasion where England have ventured away from Wembley this year, with Nottingham Forest's City Ground staging the friendly loss to Senegal in June. The Andorra qualifier represents Villa Park's first England encounter since 2005, which was a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands.

Villa's home previously hosted numerous England matches during the early 2000s while Wembley underwent reconstruction. One such match was Sven Goran Eriksson's debut as manager in 2001, a 3-0 friendly triumph over Spain.

Following the venue confirmation earlier this year, England manager Thomas Tuchel, who previously coached at Villa Park during his tenure 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."

The England squad includes both fresh and returning faces. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back after six years, stepping in for Adam Wharton after he had to withdraw due to injury.

Meanwhile, newcomers Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence are eager to make their mark under Tuchel's guidance. However, the German coach will be without defender John Stones, who had to leave the squad due to injury on Friday.

Tuchel revealed: "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 had been hoping to get his first minutes under Tuchel. The centre-back last represented his country against Finland in October last year and missed the first two international breaks of 2025 due to a hamstring injury.

Tuchel will be demanding a better performance than the one against Senegal and the reverse fixture against Andorra, when England struggled to a dour 1-0 victory over the minnows in Barcelona.

After the Andorra match, England, currently leading Group K with three victories from three matches, face a far tougher challenge away to Serbia on Tuesday.