Thomas Tuchel already 'in love' with Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly but insists England must 'do better' after first win
Updated 22/03/2025 at 10:49 GMT
England got off to a winning start under new manager Thomas Tuchel, beating Albania 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Friday night. Debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane scored for the hosts. But Tuchel believes his team must do better and highlighted what was missing from their performance.
'Not with the fear to lose' - Tuchel on how he wants his England team to play
Video credit: SNTV
Thomas Tuchel insists England "have to do better" despite claiming victory in his first game as manager.
England beat Albania 2-0 in Friday's 2026 World Cup qualifier at Wembley, with debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane netting for the hosts.
But Tuchel, who has a contract through to the end of the 2026 World Cup finals, was hardly dishing out praise to his team after the game.
"We can do better, we have to do better," Tuchel told ITV. "We started well, we had seven-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, 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."
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Tuchel was more effusive, however, about teenager Lewis-Skelly, who marked his debut in dream fashion with a goal after 20 minutes.
The Arsenal youngster got the Tuchel era off to an ideal start, and the manager said: "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."
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Tuchel hails ‘amazing’ Lewis-Skelly but admits Rashford and Foden ‘not as impactful’
Video credit: SNTV
Tuchel also hailed Jude Bellingham, who created the first goal, as a "key player" but felt something was "missing" from England's play in wide positions.
"We hope for more impact in these positions," Tuchel added. "More dribbling and more aggressive runs towards the box.
"In general, that was missing. The chances come from the little runs behind the line. There was a bit missing, they were not as decisive as they can be."
Declan Rice was also clearly impressed with Lewis-Skelly and his dramatic entrance into international football.
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Tuchel watches his England team take on Albania
Image credit: Getty Images
Rice, England midfielder and team-mate of Lewis-Skelly at Arsenal, said: "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."
England will face Latvia in their second match of World Cup qualifying at Wembley on Monday.
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