Thomas Tuchel reveals behind-the-scenes talks with Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford after England manager criticised their lack of ‘impact’ in win over Albania
- Thomas Tuchel began his reign as England manager with a 2-0 win over Albania
- However, he was critical of Foden and Rashford, who failed to impress on flanks
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is England’s squad good enough to win the World Cup?
England boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he has spoken privately to Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford after criticising their lack of impact against Albania.
Friday’s clash marked a new era for the national team as Tuchel led the side out for the first time since succeeding Sir Gareth Southgate as permanent manager in January.
The German enjoyed a winning start to life in his new role as his side strolled to a comfortable 2-0 win at Wembley.
Myles Lewis-Skelly marked his senior international debut with a goal before captain Harry Kane doubled England’s lead.
Despite the win, Tuchel was unimpressed with Foden and Rashford’s lack of effectiveness from the flanks, saying: ‘We hope for more impact in these positions.
‘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.’
Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he has spoken privately to Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford
Tuchel was critical of Foden and Rashford after they failed to impress against Albania
Roy Keane also had harsh words, saying he ‘doesn’t expect anything’ when Foden gets the ball
The former Chelsea boss has revealed that he has spoken to both players, claiming he’s pleased with their efforts.
‘I’ve spoken to both of them in front of the group,’ Tuchel added. ‘They know I appreciate the effort, especially off the ball. We can see in the numbers how much effort they put into defending high and into the counter press, also in their sprinting numbers.
‘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 maybe unlucky with the timing. Phil is maybe not finding the momentum that he can have.
‘Both of them are very positive and have every right to be positive, they know exactly what we want from them. Ideally we will bring them into more 1v1 situations and they have to have the confidence to take the 1v1s.
‘Phil needs more close connections to a no 10 than we could provide in this match. Marcus created one big chance for Jude Bellingham. Off the ball, the effort was there and that’s what counts.’
Foden and Rashford will have another chance to impress Tuchel when England host Latvia on Sunday night.
