Thomas Tuchel got his tenure as England manager off with the ideal result if not the most complete performance as the Three Lions eased to 2-0 victory over Albania in Friday night’s World Cup qualifier. Debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly scored the first goal of the new era inside the opening 20 minutes, before captain Harry Kane secured the win late in the second half.
The German made some bold decisions in his starting XI, with the aforementioned Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn being handed their first caps, while Marcus Rashford was restored to the team following his first call-up in 12 months. Despite reports of Morgan Rogers being handed his first start, the Aston Villa man was left on the bench. Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs-White was one of three players cut from the matchday squad completely.
There was plenty to dissect from the hallowed turf at Wembley as the Barmy Army watched the first steps towards 2026. These are the five main things to take away from Tuchel’s opening salvo.
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It was more of the same from the England star who continued to struggle for the Three Lions.
Runners in Behind
Southgate was criticised for not having players run beyond Kane
One of the biggest problems during the latter part of Gareth Southgate’s reign as Three Lions boss was the lack of threat in the final third when Harry Kane dropped deep to receive the ball. There were question marks as to whether Tuchel would force his captain to stay on the last man to prevent this, but more often than not, that Bayern Munich number nine has played his usual game as he attempts to get on the ball.
However, the difference this time was that when he left space in attack, there were plenty of willing runners trying to get in behind the Albania backline. Jude Bellingham nearly profited from this very move in the opening stages, doing a similar job to what he does for Real Madrid. There were also a couple of glimpses of Rashford drifting inside to cause a threat on the shoulder. And the biggest example was, of course, Lewis-Skelly’s opener.
Refreshed Focus on Set Pieces
Rice was placed on corner kick duty
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It was also clear that there was a bigger focus placed on causing chaos from set pieces on Friday night. Southgate garnered a reputation for this very thing at the 2018 World Cup, where the likes of Harry Maguire provided a major threat. As his tenure went on, the threat deteriorated, but there were signs of its return under Tuchel.
Phil Foden was removed from corner kick duty, as Declan Rice whipped in crosses just like he did for Arsenal. And there was seemingly no stopping the towering Burn from making first contact in his aerial battles, winning three successive headers, including one effort that cannoned off the bar. It may not have resulted in a goal, but it was certainly enough to raise some eyebrows and ignite memories of the recent past.
Lewis-Skelly Passes Left-Back Audition
The teenager impressed aside from his goal
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If there was a position that felt like it was up for grabs at the start of Tuchel’s time in charge, it was the left-back role. Kieran Trippier played there in a makeshift capacity throughout Euro 2024 but is now retired from internationals. Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell, and Lewis Hall were all sidelined through injury. It practically gave Lewis-Skelly the best chance possible to make the place his own.
Of course, the teenager opened his England account, which is a major positive. But his overall performance may have been enough to convince his manager he should be the first choice on the left side of the defence. In possession, the youngster was a threat, whether it be on the overlap or coming inside. When he was put under pressure defensively, he dealt with the situation well. In many ways, it was the ideal start for the Arsenal starlet.
Kane, Rashford and Lambert on debut
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Rashford Fails to Impress on England Return
The winger made his first appearance for his country in 12 months
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Rashford’s inclusion in the England squad was one that caused a stir, with some believing several others were deserving of a place over the Aston Villa loanee. It was imperative that the 27-year-old silence the critics with a big performance. But he failed to do so.
While there were glimpses of sharpness when he would dart infield, the Manchester United graduate was largely anonymous and his performance was picked apart on social media. One fan stated that “Rashford is the most overrated player ever,” while another added: “Rashford needs Asensio on the pitch.”
A third dissected his efforts in more detail, saying: “I’m not gonna lie. I was expecting so much more from rashford tonight. He was bang average awful, honestly so bad.”
Kane Proves Why He Is Right Number Nine For Tuchel
The England captain put in a more impressive display than in recent England appearances
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Since Euro 2024, there have been question marks surrounding Kane’s England future. Yes, the former Tottenham man is one of the best strikers in the world, but at 31, he is not getting any younger, and his recent performances for his country left a lot to be desired. Especially throughout last summer, Kane looked unfit and laboured, with his deep-lying position being a hindrance rather than a help.
In Tuchel’s first game, though, he looked rejuvenated in international colours for the first time in a while. While he continued to drop deep, as mentioned earlier, he had willing runners who would make the most of the space he left. Finally, it felt as though he was in sync with his teammates, and vice versa. While Albania remained stern defensively, there were enough subtle hints to suggest that Kane was looking sharper.
Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Ollie Watkins in front of an England flag
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His goal, customary of course, but well taken. It was what he needed, with Ollie Watkins waiting in the wings to provide an alternative option that many have been crying out for in recent months.
All statistics courtesy of the BBC – accurate as of 21/03/2025.
