Thomas Tuchel explains what he did NOT like about England’s win over Albania – and reveals the two players he wanted MORE from

Thomas Tuchel kicked off his England reign with a 2-0 victory over Albania on Friday night but the German was not left overly impressed by his team’s performance at Wembley.

His big night got off to the perfect start as England were rewarded for some slick football when Myles Lewis-Skelly scored the first goal of the new era in the 20th minute.

Those who expected the floodgates to open against modest opposition were left disappointed as Tuchel’s side failed to add to their advantage until a fine finish from Harry Kane in the 77th minute.

Tuchel is known for being brutally honest and the former Chelsea boss was true to form when asked to assess the performance of his new team after taking the lead.

‘We weren’t disciplined in the structure,’ Tuchel said. ‘We tried a little bit too much alone and out of possession.

‘It was a fluid game in the opponents’ half but not in the final 20 metres. We need to take more risk with chipped balls behind the line.

Manchester City forward Phil Foden failed to impress Tuchel on the right flank on Friday night 

Jude Bellingham agreed with his new boss that England could have done better at Wembley

‘I had the feeling there was more frustration in the second half, we couldn’t play in our structure and it became more complicated. We need to play through people and find a better rhythm.

‘We’ll get better. We’ll understand better and I’ll understand the players better, to find more aggressive movements.’

Tuchel showed faith in Marcus Rashford by not only calling up the 27-year-old after a 12-month international hiatus but by naming him in his first team. Rashford played on the left-flank while the right-sided position was filled by Phil Foden. 

Tuchel was not impressed with what he saw from either man, saying neither were decisive enough in the wide areas. The head coach did concede that the Three Lions were not quick enough in finding either man.

‘We hope for more impact in these positions,’ Tuchel said. 

‘More dribbling and more aggressive runs towards the box. In general that was missing. The chances come from the little runs behind the line. They were not as decisive as they can be.’

Jude Bellingham, whose moment of genius assisted Lewis-Skelly’s first-half opener, echoed Tuchel in believing there is significantly more to come — stressing that additional sessions in coming camps will see them gel.

‘We had clear ideas of what we wanted to do and how to play,’ Bellingham said. ‘It is difficult against a team that sits so low. Generally we stuck to the plan well, we had a really good week of training. A good win to start the new era.

‘It’s about keeping the rhythm, keeping the tempo. Maybe being a bit more clinical. The more we are together as a group the more we will learn.’