Tuchel Questions Home Fan Atmosphere Following Emphatic Wales Victory.
Thomas Tuchel voiced his sadness that the Three Lions team did not receive more support from the home fans during their decisive friendly win against Wales on Thursday evening.
Tuchel was satisfied to see his squad showcase their strong performance, with finishes from Rogers, Watkins, and Saka inside the opening quarter effectively ending the game. But, he was displeased with the atmosphere at the national stadium.
“We had one and a half sessions to get ready against a drilled team and we did very well,” the coach remarked. “It could have been 5-0 up at the break. We couldn’t score the fourth and fifth goals. The stadium was silent. There was no support back from the stands. Our team gave their all to win.”
“How much more can you give in the first quarter? We didn’t let them get away. When you only hear just the Welsh supporters for 30 minutes, it’s disappointing because the squad deserved better encouragement today.”
“I support this statement. We cannot do more than being 3-0 in a derby. I would have wished for a little more support in phases where it is challenging.”
“After halftime, to support us, there was excessive backing for the opposition. It might have aided us to regain energy, but it is what it is and that is it.”
Selection Choices Justified by Performance
Away from potentially starting a dispute among fans, the manager also raised eyebrows by excluding Bellingham and Foden from his team selection. But the decision was validated by Rogers impressing again in the No 10 position and netting his first international goal.
“He is what he is,” Tuchel noted. “He operates as an attacking midfielder and he is fighting for his position.”
Bellamy Seeks Lessons from Loss
The Wales manager hopes that Wales, who face Belgium in a key World Cup qualifier on Monday, learn from their poor performance in the opening period.
“This is why I scheduled this match,” Bellamy commented. “I wanted to assess our standing. What are our ambitions? What is our identity? This performance fills me with motivation.”
Injury Concern for Striker
Watkins was taken off at half-time after colliding with a post and will be a doubt when England face Latvia in the Latvian capital in a World Cup qualifying match on next week.
