Thomas Tuchel unimpressed as new England period begins with with over Albania – response
Thomas Tuchel said England “have to do better” after overseeing a 2-0 win over Albania in his first game in charge, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring on his debut and Harry Kane grabbing his 70th international goal at Wembley
Lewis-Skelly, one of two England debutants along with Dan Burn on Tuchel’s first game in charge, scored the first goal of the German’s new era as the 18-year-old converted Jude Bellingham’s through ball in a fairytale moment.
But the second half of England’s opening World Cup qualifying fixture was not overly convincing, with Albania carrying some threat. Captain Kane made sure of the three points as he steered in a composed finish in the 77th minute.
There is work for Tuchel to do but England made a winning start on their road to the 2026 World Cup and they will return to Wembley on Monday for another qualifier against Latvia. “We can do better, we have to do better,” Tuchel said.
Follow all the reaction from Tuchel’s first game in charge at Wembley below
Thomas Tuchel impressed with Myles Lewis-Skelly
Thomas Tuchel said he has already “fallen in love” with Myles Lewis-Skelly after his record-breaking England debut.
The 18-year-old became the youngest player to score on his senior England debut as he netted the first goal under Tuchel in the 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley.
The Arsenal full-back, who only broke into Mikel Arteta’s first team this season, converted Jude Bellingham’s excellent pass and Tuchel as impressed with his performance and impact.
He told ITV: “Amazing player. Amazing personality. He came into camp and showed straight away that it’s normal to fall in love with him. It is well deserved.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly wins player of the match!
England debut, England goal, and now player of the match award for Myles Lewis-Skelly!
Thomas Tuchel wanted ‘more impact’ from Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford
England head coach Thomas Tuchel said he wanted “more impact” from his wide players and said Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden were not “decisive” as they could be in his first game in charge against Albania.
Tuchel explained that he wanted more “dribbling” and “aggressive runs” and said elements of Rashford and Foden’s performances were “missing” in the 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley.
Overall, Tuchel said England “can do better” and “have to better” in future matches after goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane gave England a winning start in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Thomas Tuchel on England win: ‘We have to do better’
Thomas Tuchel’s first thoughts after his first game in charge of England, speaking to ITV.
“We can do better, we have to do better. We started well, we had seven-eight minutes with 100 per cent ball possession with a lot of passes and high energy.
” But the opponent is hard to break down as they defend in a deep block In the Euros 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.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly ‘lost for words’ on England debut
“I am so grateful for the manager to put trust in me. I am so happy. My team-mates put so much trust in me. I’m lost for words,” the 18-year-old says to ITV.
“The fans made me feel at home so thank you to them. It’s incredible [to be behind Owen and Rooney as youngest England scorer], I don’t know what to say.”
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham plan reveals England direction under Thomas Tuchel
A first game that was encouraging rather than electrifying, with most of the new excitement offered by Myles Lewis-Skelly rather than any sense of a new era. Thomas Tuchel’s week culminated in the teenager’s night, as he became England football team’s youngest ever debutant goalscorer in this professional 2-0 win over Albania.
‘Fearless’ Lewis-Skelly praised after England debut
Only one way for the reaction to start,it’s England debutant, and goal-scorer, Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Declan Rice has had this to say about his performance:
“He is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18.
“I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has.
“He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him.”
FULL TIME! England 2-0 Albania
You’ve got to start somewhere. But Thomas Tuchel wins his first game in charge of England. Will be interesting to hear what he made of England’s performance.
