Tuchel's England Debut: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Challenges

Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England manager began with two routine victories over Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifying. While the results were expected, the performances revealed both promise and areas for improvement.

Key Winners Under Tuchel

1. Reece James – The Chelsea right-back marked his return with a stunning free-kick goal against Latvia, reinforcing his claim as England’s top full-back option. Tuchel praised his mentality and fitness, though injury concerns linger.

2. Myles Lewis-Skelly – The 18-year-old Arsenal left-back impressed on his debut, showing versatility by drifting into midfield. His energy and technical ability suggest a bright future.

3. Harry Kane – England’s record scorer netted in both games, proving his reliability. His partnership with Tuchel, forged at Bayern Munich, remains pivotal.

4. Eberechi Eze – The Crystal Palace midfielder took his chance off the bench, scoring England’s third against Latvia with a deflected strike. His creativity adds depth.

Areas of Concern

1. Wing Play – Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, and Jarrod Bowen failed to dominate. Rashford’s inconsistency in possession was noticeable, while Bowen lacked end product. Anthony Gordon’s injury deprived Tuchel of another option.

2. Centre-Back Uncertainty – Ezri Konsa was solid, but Marc Guehi and Dan Burn looked vulnerable at times. A long-term partner for John Stones remains unresolved.

3. Midfield Balance – Curtis Jones and Morgan Rogers showed flashes but lacked control. Declan Rice remains indispensable, but midfield creativity is still a work in progress.

Tuchel’s Verdict

"These qualifiers help us learn," Tuchel said. "I’ll always fight for these players—they’ve been great in training. We must improve, but I’m positive."

What’s Next?

With tougher tests ahead, Tuchel must refine his system. Key players like Bukayo Saka and Trent Alexander-Arnold will bolster the squad, but questions remain over wingers and centre-backs.

Key Stats:

• Reece James: First England defender to score a Wembley free-kick since 1992.
• Harry Kane: Now on 71 international goals.
• Marcus Rashford: Lost possession 36 times across both games.