Thomas Tuchel was pleased with England's win over Albania but wanted to see more from his wingers Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, who he has spoken to
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Marcus Rashford during England's clash against Albania
Marcus Rashford during England's clash against Albania(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel has had a word with Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford following their performances in England's clash against Albania. The new Three Lions boss kicked off his tenure with a 2-0 win at a packed Wembley Stadium, where newcomer Myles Lewis-Skelly made an instant impact by scoring on his debut, and skipper Harry Kane notched up his 70th international goal.
Although it was a positive beginning to the World Cup qualifying campaign, Tuchel is seeking more from his players, particularly urging Foden and Rashford to make a greater impact on the wings. Speaking to reporters ahead of England's clash against Latvia on Monday night, the former Chelsea head coach said: "I think they know (what more I want from them).
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"I've spoken to both of them, also in front of the group. They know that I appreciate the effort, I think especially off the ball. Marcus had a lot of runs when we had the ball where we did not see him, where we did not use him.
"He was a little bit unlucky maybe with the timing and from time to time we oversaw him. Phil is just maybe not finding the momentum at the moment that he can have but both of them are very positive, they have every right to be positive and know exactly what we want from them."
Tuchel is keen to create more one-on-one opportunities for them and help them rediscover the self-assurance that seemed to elude Rashford before his temporary switch to Aston Villa from Manchester United. Foden joined the England squad after a challenging season.
Despite being named PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year last season, he has struggled to shine for the Three Lions. Roy Keane commented on his performance on Friday, claiming that Foden 'won't have that problem coming up of where he wants to play because he won't be playing'.
Tuchel, speaking to talkSPORT, expressed his faith in both wingers, saying: "We believe fully in both wingers, in the potentials," and "That's why we called them up. I fully understand that not everyone can play all the time on the very highest level and impact matches in the way we wanted."
Discussing Foden's struggles, Tuchel said: "For Phil, it's a difficult season in the club. He comes from several weeks where he does not find the rhythm that he found last season, things are not so easy for him, so we called him up to show him our support and our love and our commitment."
On the other hand, Rashford has found his rhythm since January, impressing in a new club and environment. Tuchel dismissed any concerns over a difficult 60 or 70 minutes against Albania as he gave his verdict on Rashford's move to Villa, stating: "Marcus is the opposite.
"He found his found his rhythm and since January, in a new club, new environment was very impressive and that has not changed because of 60 or 70 minutes that were difficult against Albania. Not at all."
The coach concluded: "So, we addressed it, they know it. They're very well aware of it and from there we continue. It's already gone, in the past."
Now, the focus is on the upcoming match against Latvia. Tuchel is considering rotation as two or three players are feeling the effects of the Albania game. Anthony Gordon has returned home due to a bruised hip that has affected his ability to walk properly.
"He had a good chance to start and I'm sad that he is now out," Tuchel revealed to BBC Radio 5 Live. "He was so happy to play and get some minutes for us. He had a red card, then he got sick – he came a bit late into camp – and gets his minutes and gets straightaway injured.
"I'm sad for him but we cannot change it and I think he still needs a couple of days rest, so he's with his family now to get the rest and we find other solutions."
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