Thomas Tuchel voiced his disappointment that the Three Lions team did not enjoy stronger encouragement from the home spectators during their commanding triumph over Wales on Thursday night.
The manager was pleased to see his squad continue their good form, with strikes from Rogers, Ollie Watkins, and Saka inside the initial stages settling the match. However, he was not content with the atmosphere at the national stadium.
“With limited sessions to get ready against a drilled team and we excelled,” Tuchel stated. “We could have been 5-0 up at the break. We couldn’t score the additional goals. The stadium was silent. There was no any energy from the crowd. We did everything to win.”
“What more can you give in 20 minutes? We didn’t let them escape. When you only hear just Wales fans for 30 minutes, it’s sad because the team warranted more support today.”
“I stand by my words. There’s nothing more than leading three goals up in a rivalry match. I would have wished for a bit more support in moments where it gets difficult.”
“After halftime, to cheer us on, there was excessive support for Wales. It could have helped us to recharge, but that’s football and that is it.”
Away from potentially starting a fight with fans, Tuchel also raised eyebrows by leaving out Bellingham and Foden from his team selection. Yet the move was backed up by Morgan Rogers impressing again in the No 10 position and getting his maiden goal for his country.
“He plays his game,” Tuchel said. “He operates as an attacking midfielder and he is competing for his place.”
Craig Bellamy expressed hope that Wales, who face Belgium in a key World Cup qualifier on next week, improve after their awful performance in the opening period.
“This is why I scheduled this match,” the manager stated. “I wanted to assess our standing. Where do we want to go? Who do we want to be? This performance fills me with motivation.”
Ollie Watkins was withdrawn at half-time after hitting a goalpost and is a concern when the national team face their next opponents in Riga in a World Cup qualifying match on next week.
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