Thomas Tuchel has urged England to learn from their 2-0 victory away to Albania in how to “overcome” tough opposition.
Tuchel’s Three Lions struggled to break down Albania’s resilient defence until Harry Kane pounced from a 74th-minute corner, before he headed in his second goal in the 82nd minute to wrap up victory as England topped their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group without conceding a single goal.
Tuchel however felt that his team can learn how to use this tricky experience to beat tough opposition in the future, as he reflected on the performance in a post-match interview with ITV.
“Nice match, I love it. Serbia was difficult, today was difficult, emotional. We were full in control, then suddenly lost some control and to overcome difficult moments, and to overcome the atmosphere like this and open the match with a set-piece goal. So much good stuff and quality to see the game out. Everyone is happy and they fully deserved it.
Tuchel also made three attacking changes as Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Elliot Anderson, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers were all brought on as substitutes, which he explained was a public statement of the squad’s intent.
“We also wanted to give signals from the bench with offensive changes that we want to win and now, we keep on pushing.”
Jude Bellingham however wasn’t amused at being substituted for Rogers in the 84th minute, but Tuchel wasn’t bothered at the midfielder’s reaction.
“Yeah he didn’t like it but no-one likes it. But that’s how it is, Morgan didn’t like to be out and didn’t deserve to be out but that was the decision. Jude was also on a yellow card and I made the decision before the second goal and the decision stands.”
Adam Wharton started alongside Declan Rice in place of Elliot Anderson – who then replaced him in the second half, and put in a performance which left Tuchel happy as he took responsibility for a tactical error which left Wharton vulnerable in the second half.
“He was good. It’s not easy because we tried a little bit different in the build-up with John Stones then in second half we reversed so he was alone and a little bit exposed, not his fault.”
Defender, Jarell Quansah meanwhile made his first senior start for England with Tuchel singling him out for praise alongside Nico O’Reilly.
“I have to say I was very impressed with our debutant Jarrell Quansah, his first cap but he played like he had 50 already so well done to everyone. All the young guys, Nico O’Reilly played a fantastic match, all the young guys played well.”
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