England Head Coach, Thomas Tuchel has urged his team to “unlock” their potential following a 3-0 win over Latvia.
Maiden international senior goals from Reece James and Eberechi Eze helped England to victory, whilst captain – Harry Kane netted the Three Lions’ second goal to put them top of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group K after two matches.
“It wasn’t an easy match,” explained Tuchel who felt that England had to be patient in unlocking Latvia’s defensive performance, but the ex Chelsea boss was pleased with the potential on offer moving forward.
“We had to unlock it. I saw a lot of good things. We have a good result, another clean sheet, we created a lot of chances from set-pieces.
“We needed a free-kick to unlock it but in general, I’m happy with the attitude and the energy and desire to do the stuff that we want and we will get there.”
Tuchel previously coached James during his time at Chelsea from January 2021 – September 2022 and was glad to see the 25 year-old in excellent form despite his lack of game time for the Blues.
“I know the foot and the quality that the boy has is amazing,” quipped Tuchel. “He has every right to be proud and happy and satisfied with his performance. He’s in excellent shape.
“When we called him up, we knew he had not so many games but we knew it wasn’t because of injury. They [Chelsea] took care of him and managed him. He looks sharp and looks in shape and about his quality – there can’t be any doubt.”
Tuchel praised Kane for the second goal which he put down to catching Latvia out in the build-up with a sudden “acceleration” in attacking pace.
“The second goal was well-worked because we had some acceleration from a position they didn’t expect it,” reflected Tuchel as he singled out Rice for his acceleration in his runs, which he believes will become a key part of the team’s style moving forward after a positive finish.
“We encourage everyone to have these and with Declan to have these late accelerations.
“We struggled a little bit until the goal but you saw also what the goal gave us – a lot of freedom, a little bit of excitement and everything felt a little bit easier.”
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers made his first senior start for England and put in a lively performance which left Tuchel pleased at how he adapted to the central attacking midfield role, before he was switched out to the wing later in the game where he flourished further.
“I’m happy with him in general,” acknowledged Tuchel on Rogers’ performance after earning his start through his effort in training.
“He deserved to start because he trained very good and plays very good for Villa.
“I think in a match where we are so dominant, I think it can suit him more to play from the wing. Once we put him on the wing, he felt more freedom in the touches, and he can work his way into his dynamic movements.
“There was a little bit more space for him there than the half-space. It’s interesting because I learn about the players and I learn about the game and that’s good.”
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