Tag: Thomas Tuchel

“It is good, because I learn about my team and my team learn about me,” said Thomas Tuchel after his England reign started with routine World Cup qualifying wins over Albania and Latvia.

“We will get there.”

Some players played their way into Tuchel’s thinking, while some may have played their way out of the team.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, Reece James and Eberechi Eze all got their first England goals – while Harry Kane netted in both games.

Lewis-Skelly and James both staked their claims at full-back – but things are less clear at centre-back or on the wings.

Albania and Latvia were limited opponents who only briefly threatened to score at Wembley though.

Former England goalkeeper and BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Rob Green said: “Tuchel on reflection will turn around and say ‘how much could I expect from these two games?’

“It’s been the bare minimum. Still a lot of question marks.”

Tuchel added to the BBC: “These qualifiers bring a bit of tension, what happens when the going gets tough, how will the players react? It is important to get better.

“I will always fight for them because they have been great in training. Some players played out of position. Taking this into account, overall I am very positive.”

BBC Sport has a look at who the winners and losers of this England campwere

James was making his first England start since September 2022 against Latvia – and took his chance in style.

The 25-year-old – who won the Champions League with Tuchel at Chelsea – has seen his career plagued by injury but is back fit right now.

“Reece’s quality is at the highest level,” said Tuchel afterwards. “We were in close contact in the last weeks. We knew he was in good shape and a good space mentally. That’s what he proved. He was very positive throughout the camp.”

AC Milan’s Kyle Walker, 34, started the first game against Albania – and was solid – with James taking the right-back spot three days later.

A sensational 25-yard effort into the top corner made him England’s first defender to score a free-kick at Wembley since Stuart Pearce in 1992.

“I love Reece James,” said BBC pundit Green. “He’s a brilliant footballer. There are question marks over both right-backs.

“Where will Walker be in a year’s time? What stage in his career, what shape are we looking at going into the World Cup?

“Nobody doubts James’ quality, mentality, intelligence. He’s a fit guy and his body lets him down now and again.

“If you could take Walker’s fitness and put it into James’ body you’ve got someone who can be there at end of the World Cup who can match anyone in the world.”

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed these games through injury, will be a strong contender for that spot when he returns.

Teenage Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, who scored on his international debut on Friday, was lively again – and won the free-kick which James scored from.

The 18-year-old, as he does at club level, often stepped into a central midfield role alongside Gunners team-mate Declan Rice.

“He showed in patches what he can do going forward with runs in behind, what he can do controlling in midfield,” said Green. “Tonight was not the headline grabbing performance of Friday but really a competent and versatile performance.

“[Newcastle’s] Lewis Hall will have to stake a strong case when he comes back.”

‘They didn’t do themselves any harm’ – who impressed at centre-back?

Ezri Konsa had two solid games at centre-back, and was unlucky not to score, outperforming those alongside him – Dan Burn and then Marc Guehi.

Debutant Burn, 32, looked comfortable in the first half but was caught out a couple of times in the second half against Albania – and Guehi was involved in both of Latvia’s first-half chances.

“Those sort of games will give Konsa confidence. Two more games under the belt – for momentum, feeling at home in the squad, intangible stuff for an international footballer,” said Green.

“While they [Burn and Guehi] didn’t look as assured as Konsa, they didn’t do themselves any harm over the two games.”

On Newcastle’s 6ft 7in Burn, who hit the bar against Albania, Green said: “Going into tournament football maybe a big thing is you can throw him on. He’s a different option to when you’re playing against stronger opposition and might go to a back three.

“He can add something to corners, a huge part of England’s success at tournaments.”

‘I don’t think any of them staked a claim’ – wingers fail to shine

Tuchel likes proper wingers who can get down the line and get crosses in. He will not have seen enough in these two games to convince him he has found his man.

The German will be keen to get Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka – who he spoke to after the game – and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer back from injury.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden – who likes to play in the middle – struggled in the system against Albania – and was replaced by West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen for the second game.

Bowen shot off target a couple of times and created a handful of chances on the right, but again did not set the world alight.

Marcus Rashford started on the left side for both games. He put 11 crosses into the box against Latvia, and created six chances – but lost the ball 36 times across both matches – far more than anyone else.

“Marcus again showed the hunger and desire to go again and again,” said Tuchel. “He wasn’t sure to take the dribbling. The most important thing was he showed the hunger and confidence in his ability.

“We maybe lacked a little bit of the support. They switched sides in the second half but it didn’t suit him so well. These are the things we need to learn and take away from these matches. We didn’t play into his hand.”

Eze took his chance when he replaced Bowen just after the hour-mark against Latvia. He cut in from the left before slamming England’s third goal home via a deflection.

“I’m over the moon for him,” said Eze’s Crystal Palace team-mate Guehi. “Every time he’s come on, he’s created things. I’m glad it was on target and they gave it to him [and not as an own goal].”

He was set up by Foden, who came on in his central role he relishes.

“You’re asking for people to stake a claim and I don’t think any of them did in a major sense,” said Green.

“Eze really provided a point of difference as opposed to what was on the pitch.

“Bowen didn’t really get the opportunities out there he’d hope to have. Rashford didn’t have the opportunities to come in on his right foot. Stepping onto his left foot he hasn’t got that quality or confidence.

“It’s a tough one for wingers but you’re expecting it with the shape of Latvia.”

Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon would have hoped to start against Latvia, but he was ruled out of the second game through injury.

“Gordon is a big one, he brings something different, the ability to drive forward,” said Green.

In the middle, Harry Kane scored in both games to extend his England record to 71 goals. Having excelled under Tuchel at Bayern Munich together, there are no doubts about his place in the team.

‘You can come back and have another go’ – the central players

Another place where Tuchel tried different things out was through the middle.

Rice, another guarantee on the teamsheet, started both games in his number six role – and set up both of Kane’s goals.

Liverpool’s Curtis Jones started alongside him in the first game but was replaced by Morgan Rogers against Latvia.

Rogers, making his first England start, played further forward, alongside Jude Bellingham – whose assist for Lewis-Skelly in the first game was wonderful.

Villa’s Rogers had his moments against Latvia, with six shots, succeeding with six of his seven dribbles and winning eight of his 12 duels.

He ended up on the right wing after England substitutions – where Tuchel thought he did his best work.

“He did good. I’m happy with him in general,” said Tuchel. “He deserved to start, in a match where we are so dominant it could suit him more to play from the wings. He felt more freedom when we played him there, there was more space.”

Rogers, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards, said: “Thankfully I got my chance and hopefully I can get many more in the future.

“I’m a bit disappointed I didn’t score. I’m not always going to get it right but if I do the right things then good things will come from that.”

BBC pundit Green added: “Rogers did well in patches. When the opposition were tired he got a little more space.

“Tuchel will look at it and say there’s something there. He’s probably seen enough to say you can come back and have another go. It’s been a positive night for him.”

There had been rumours Tuchel was considering benching him on Friday – but that did not happen in the end.

He only had one save to make across either game – although a mix-up with Guehi did allow Latvia one golden opportunity which they missed.

The 31-year-old won his 75th cap against Latvia.

“As a statement it’s good for Tuchel to say he’s my number one, nip it in the bud,” said Green, who played for England in the 2010 World Cup.

“Pickford doesn’t get injured. He plays every game for Everton and England. As soon as anyone else plays there’s always a question mark maybe he’s not number one. If he does what he does for England I’m OK with it.”

Dean Henderson and James Trafford remained unused substitutes, with Aaron Ramsdale left out of the matchday squad for each one.

Thomas Tuchel wants England’s brave new era to bring thrills and excitement, but he has swiftly discovered that if you have seen one England qualifier you have almost seen them all.

Tuchel has been firing off positive messages since delivering a damning verdict on England’s Euro 2024 campaign under predecessor Gareth Southgate, which he claimed lacked intensity, identity and hunger.

During the routine 3-0 win over a Latvia side ranked 140th in the world, it was clear Tuchel’s intended transformation would not be a quick fix – because this was more of the same laboring old England seen so often under Southgate.

As they have done so many times before, the Three Lions finally overcame gallant but limited opposition after struggling for long periods to make the most of their superiority, too often pedestrian and too often failing to transform good positions into goals.

There was the traditional Wembley backdrop of paper airplanes – with the first hitting the turf after 14 minutes as opposed to 33 against Albania – the Mexican wave and the thousands of empty seats well before the final whistle.

And there were even the old frustrations that have surfaced before in this type of attritional fixture, with Jude Bellingham – who was already on a yellow card – fortunate referee Orel Grinfeld took a lenient view of his reckless second-half challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis.

England got there in the end, as they always do in these qualifiers, with Reece James illuminating his first international start since September 2022 with a superb free-kick seven minutes from half-time to break the deadlock.

Latvia, unsurprisingly, barely left their half after the break, and England put the result beyond doubt with two goals in eight minutes.

Captain Harry Kane scored his 71st goal in 105 international appearances with a simple tap-in after 68 minutes and substitute Eberechi Eze added the hosts’ third with a deflected shot.

It’s all very routine. All very England when it comes to qualifiers – as it should be against a country ranked between Burundi and the Dominican Republic on Fifa’s list.

Thomas Tuchel says England “have to do better” despite his first game as Three Lions boss ending in a 2-0 victory over Albania.

A debut goal for Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane’s 70th strike for the national team ensured they made a winning start to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

It was far from a thrilling England display, although not helped by an Albania side who put 11 men behind the ball for large periods of the Wembley encounter.

“We can do better, we have to do better,” Tuchel told ITV.

“We started well, we had seven or eight minutes with 100% ball possession with a lot of passes and high energy.

“The opponent is hard to break down as they defend in a deep block. In the Euros [last year] they managed to not concede chances.

“Second half, I felt we were too slow and in general not enough runs off the ball to get behind the line.”

Tuchel made a number of bold decisions for his first match in charge, including handing Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle defender Dan Burn their debuts.

The German was rewarded with encouraging displays from both, with Lewis-Skelly providing a neat finish through the legs of the goalkeeper for the 20th-minute opener, before Kane added a 77th-minute second.

“Amazing player,” Tuchel said of the 18-year-old Gunners left-back.

“Amazing personality. He came into camp and showed straight away that it’s normal to fall in love with him.

“It is well deserved.”

‘Our wingers were not as impactful as they can be’

Another surprise decision by Tuchel was to hand Marcus Rashford his first England start in a year.

The Manchester United forward, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, linked up well with Jude Bellingham at times, but also made some poor decisions in the final third.

Manchester City forward Phil Foden, meanwhile, struggled to impose himself as he started on the right of the forward line.

“Both of our wingers that started were not as impactful as they can be or as they are in club football,” added Tuchel.

“At the moment I’m not so sure why we struggled to bring the ball quicker to them, to bring the ball in more [of an] open position to them, I need to review the match.

“We lacked a bit of runs off the ball, so it was a bit too much passing and not enough dribbling. Not aggressive enough towards goal.

“They were very good in the last weeks in their clubs. We will keep encouraging them and give them a structure so they can show their potential.”

England’s new head coach Thomas Tuchel slid into his technical area almost unnoticed after the deafening fanfare that greeted the start of his reign at Wembley.

He missed fireworks, pyrotechnics, a deafening drum-and-bass track commissioned in his honour by the Football Association entitled “Thomas Tuchel’s Army”, plus a giant banner stretching across one end of the stadium welcoming him to “The Home of Football”.

Tuchel’s own entrance was a low-key affair, setting the tone for a low-key occasion for Gareth Southgate’s successor. The excitement and intensity the German promised will have to wait for another day after this scrappy 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Albania.

In an unflattering review of England’s Euro 2024 campaign – widely interpreted as criticism of Southgate and the team beaten by Spain in the final – Tuchel claimed it was missing “intensity, clarity, identity, repetition of patterns, expression of players and hunger”.

In this game, at least, there was little to distinguish Tuchel’s England from Southgate’s, his search for thrills thwarted by Albania’s lack of ambition, a reluctance to leave their own half and his own team’s lack of fluency and rhythm.

A win is a win, however, and this is what Tuchel has been appointed to do, in the short-term against Albania and Latvia here on Monday – and in the long-term at next year’s World Cup.

On the pitch? Work to do, but still early days

Tuchel went for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Manchester City’s Phil Foden on the right and on-loan Aston Villa attacker Marcus Rashford on the left, which did not prove a roaring success.

After the game England’s new boss said “we hope for more impact in these positions” and that “they were not as decisive as they can be”.

But the decision to give Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly a debut was a masterstroke as he became the youngest player to score on his senior England debut, aged 18 years and 176 days.

Dan Burn, another making his first appearance at 32, almost repeated his goalscoring feats for Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool when he headed against the bar in the first half, but looked laboured and vulnerable when Albania substitute Armando Broja ran at him late on.

Tuchel laid down his template by insisting he wants more intensity, more touches in the opponents’ box and more ball recoveries in the opponents’ half. By this measure there is work to do, but this is early days.

England had 34 touches in Albania’s box compared to 44 in interim manager Lee Carsley’s last game against the Republic of Ireland in November, winning back possession in the final third four times as opposed to six, enjoying 74.2% possession against 73.6%.

This should all be placed in the context of an Albanian strategy which effectively consisted of building the lowest of blocks to frustrate England.

It is too early to detect any sort of identity as, in many ways, this was more of the same that went before, but it was easy to detect what Tuchel likes and wants from his body language.

Off the pitch? Calm & measured on uneventful night

In the opening stages, he twice broke into animated applause when England pressurised Albania into errors – the first occasion when they stole possession and on another when intensity forced the visitors to pass the ball into touch.

Tuchel was equally enthusiastic when England pounced to pinch the ball back. This was the intensity he wanted and will expect more of in the future.

It was all accompanied by tic-tac arm-waving, but mostly he was a calm, measured figure, although there was little to get excited about for long spells.

Tuchel was not a permanent presence on the touchline, taking his seat after 14 minutes, remaining there for three minutes, occasionally in discussion with his staff, before returning pitch-side.

He greeted the first goal of his reign, slipped home by Lewis-Skelly from Jude Bellingham’s incisive pass, with a pump of his fist and a big smile – but it was quickly down to business as he delivered some lengthy instructions to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Tuchel also soon became acquainted with one of Wembley’s more recent traditions, the paper aeroplanes that fly during periods of inactivity. The first one landed near him after 33 minutes.

Tuchel has shown he is not too proud to use the physical presence and set-piece prowess he believes bring the strengths of the Premier League to England, selecting the physicality and aerial power of 6ft 7in Burn ahead of the more technically gifted Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who was arguably England’s best performer at the Euros.

When the Three Lions won three successive corners in the first half, a line of players formed – a ploy known variously as “the bus stop” or “the love train” – but there was only one target for Declan Rice’s delivery – the giant figure of Burn.

It was the most obvious of plans, but almost worked as he rose above Albania’s defenders to crash a header against the bar.

Tuchel only lost his composure once, when he berated the officials for not awarding a foul when Rashford was barged to the ground in front of him, but this was an uneventful night and a routine win.

As for the rest? England meet the brief – win

No serious clues were offered about any revolutionary moves Tuchel might have up his sleeve, although he will yearn for a swift return to fitness for Bukayo Saka given Foden’s disappointing performance in the position the Arsenal winger would normally occupy.

One area Tuchel is keen to develop is the “interactions” between England’s players on the field, effectively moments where they encourage each other, showing a bond of togetherness.

When he addressed the players at St George’s Park on Monday, he presented them with data that showed there were 60 such interactions in the first half of the Euros final against Spain in Berlin, but only 35 after half-time when they conceded the goals that saw them slip to a 2-1 defeat.

This was not a night when interactions or high-fives were the order of the day. It was more a simple case of ‘job done’. Although Pickford did celebrate – and at great length with much enthusiasm – when defender Ezri Konsa pulled off a superb covering tackle as Albania’s Jasir Asani raced through with the chance of an unlikely equaliser.

Tuchel’s plain speaking is already a contrast to the measured, almost diplomatic, words of Southgate and he made his feelings clear once more when he said: “We can do better, we have to do better.”

When it was all over, the first three points secured, Tuchel made a swift exit down Wembley’s tunnel, leaving his players to conduct a lap of appreciation – although thousands of fans had drifted away well before the end.

This was not a night that carried the air of a glorious new era, but Tuchel has been brought to England with a simple brief – win.

New England head coach Thomas Tuchel says he is happy with his side’s 2-0 win over Albania in his first game in charge but that they must be “more dangerous”.

READ MORE: Lewis-Skelly scores as England begin Tuchel era with win over Albania

England started the Thomas Tuchel era with a 2-0 victory over Albania in World Cup qualifying.

Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his senior international debut before captain Harry Kane netted his 70th England goal to seal the win.

BBC Sport takes a look at some of the talking points from the game.

Before the game Tuchel created plenty of headlines when he said England looked like they had played with fear at Euro 2024 under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.

He also suggested he wanted them to play Premier League-style physical football.

Known for his tactical flexibility, nobody was quite certain what formation Tuchel would opt for – but he sent England out in a 4-2-3-1.

While Tuchel’s teams are normally known for their intensity and pressing, it was hard for England to show either against a team who set up as defensively as Albania, especially in the first half.

And the German is also still in the early stages of his reign – having only met his players four days ago for the first time since officially taking over in January.

“Thomas Tuchel’s had the squad for three days – you can’t expect to see a different England team,” said former Three Lions midfielder Leon Osman on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“We won the football match. Once we got ahead there was no urgency.

“We want to be entertained. There is a certain element of control which is good in tournament football.

“At the minute we’re not in a tournament, we want to be entertained.”

England had 74% of the ball and 12 shots to Albania’s three – with the hosts recording all six efforts on target in the game.

In the opening 45 minutes they completed 437 passes, the most on Opta’s records of any England first half.

The visitors did try to play more after the break, but England’s backline were only tested a few times by substitute Armando Broja.

The result itself was routine – new England manager or not. The Three Lions are unbeaten in 38 home qualifiers for World Cups or Euros since November 2007, with 34 wins.

“It was a difficult game from a spectating perspective,” said former England defender Matt Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Once we got into the rhythm, it was very much an England game at Wembley against inferior opposition where they struggled to break them down.

“We are all wanting to see how Thomas Tuchel’s plan is going to happen.

“There are so many questions, but ultimately they have to manage the game itself and England did that well.”

Upson added that Tuchel probably learned to “understand what it feels like and looks like tactically” to play against a team in a low block like Albania’s.

Lewis-Skelly continues rapid rise

Just a few months ago, Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, would barely have been on England’s radar. He had not played a senior professional game until after the September international break.

But he has broken into Arsenal’s first team, scored against Manchester City and been sent off twice (although one was overturned) in 26 games – and now firmly established himself as a Gunners regular.

“It doesn’t get much better,” said former Arsenal centre-back Upson.

“The opportunity has fallen to him, the timing has been great. The amount of injuries Arsenal had got him in the team.

“Those doors have opened, but he has had to grab those opportunities. He looks to be a top player.”

Tuchel gave him a chance for England and he took it with both hands.

In a prime example of the modern full-back role, Lewis-Skelly was front-footed, cutting into central midfield and popping up in the box.

And he got the opening goal when he appeared in the Albania area to score through Thomas Strakosha’s legs from Jude Bellingham’s fantastic through ball.

That made him the third-youngest England goalscorer ever – and youngest to net on his debut.

“In the second half he played as a number eight or a number 10,” said Tuchel.

“His very best position is where he plays for Arsenal in the double six.

“We tried to play a bit more conventional today as it’s easier to learn because we have many players from many different clubs, but he understands very quickly.”

Lewis-Skelly left the pitch to an ovation in the final minute.

England tried three different left-backs in their final three Nations League games – Lewis Hall, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis – but Lewis-Skelly will hope to make the position his own.

Upson said: “He was absolutely superb. To manage and handle that occasion in the manner he did with the very limited senior football he has had… really speaks volumes about how good a player he is and how far he can go. It was a brilliant evening for him.

“When you look at the competition for that position, Lewis Hall is probably the closest. You can see a little battle between the two of them for the left-back slot. That was a big moment for Lewis-Skelly tonight to try to cement himself in Thomas Tuchel’s mind for that role.”

Ex-Everton player Osman added: “He was dead relaxed, but he wasn’t tested defensively.

“To secure the position he will have to show he can stand up defensively.”

Burn at centre of things to end dream week

Centre-back Burn is at the other end of the spectrum when it comes to England debuts.

This was the 32-year-old’s first appearance for England at any age level. In fact he was the oldest Three Lions debutant since Kevin Davies in 2010.

It came in what is undoubtedly the best week of the 6ft 7in defender’s career.

On Sunday, also at Wembley, he headed his boyhood club Newcastle ahead against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final as they won 2-1 to lift a first trophy in 56 years.

The following day he joined up with England.

He was given an immediate debut by Tuchel – and did well.

Burn became the first England debutant to make 100 or more passes on Opta’s record – and ended up completing 135 from 137.

He made more clearances (seven), won more tackles (two) and won more aerial duels (four) than any other Three Lions player.

Plus he managed to hit both crossbars, turning a clearance against his own woodwork before later heading Declan Rice’s corner on to the bar.

Upson said: “He was excellent in the first half, looked very good but didn’t have much to deal with defensively. He showed his threat from set-pieces.”

However, there were a few moments where he was caught out, especially when Broja came on.

Marc Guehi, who was one of England’s best players at Euro 2024, watched on from the bench with Ezri Konsa starting alongside Burn.

“There were a couple of moments in the second half where Burn got hurt in behind, got a bit tight and spun,” said Upson. “His partnership with Konsa was excellent.

“Konsa’s performance was very assured and showed he’s really developed in the last six months. Playing in the Champions League with Aston Villa has brought him on to the next level.

“Burn has moments of impact but I thought Konsa is probably best placed to keep his spot.”

But who didn’t catch the eye?

England wingers Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford both failed to set the game alight.

Manchester United forward Rashford, on loan at Villa, was given his first England chance in a year after rediscovering his form under Unai Emery.

He showed a few good touches, especially early on, but failed to create much.

Manchester City’s Foden had a similar experience on the right-hand side.

They were both replaced, along with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, in the 74th minute.

“Both of our wingers that started were not as impactful as they can be or as they are in club football,” said Tuchel.

“At the moment I’m not so sure why we struggled to bring the ball quicker to them.

“They trained very well, they were decisive in training which is why they deserved it. They were very good in the last weeks in their clubs.

“We will keep encouraging them and give them a structure so they can show their potential.”

Upson said: “Foden wants to come inside. He’s not the type of out-and-out winger which Tuchel wants to play.

“He wants a fast-paced aggressive style – to go at teams. Foden is more of a footballer who likes to come to feet and open things up that way.

“Rashford showed willingness and he has that speed but didn’t quite find the end product tonight.

“He was looking not to lose the ball instead of taking a risk. It’s an area that will be tinkered with in games to come.”

Some things stay the same – Kane scores

Captain Kane is England’s all-time leading scorer by some way – and he netted his 70th international goal on Friday.

It came after a fine bit of control to take down Rice’s cross before he passed the ball into the bottom corner.

Kane is the first England player to score on his first appearance under three different managers – Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and Tuchel.

“Typical Kane,” said Upson. “He didn’t get much action for quite long periods but a couple of his passes were superb. He drops deeps and clips those balls over the top.

“His finish was really high level. The first touch and movement and to find that bottom corner was excellent. Very much a Kane-type performance.

“He would probably want to be involved in the game a bit more in the build-up. But Albania sat in so didn’t allow him a lot of opportunities to get the ball.”

The 31-year-old continued his fine association with Tuchel too, having bagged 44 goals in 45 games under the German at Bayern Munich.

Mauricio Pochettino is now the only manager Kane has scored more goals under.