🔗 Share this article

Thomas Tuchel expressed his disappointment that the England team did not receive stronger support from the home fans during their commanding triumph over Wales on Thursday night.

Tuchel was pleased to see his team showcase their strong performance, with finishes from Morgan Rogers, Watkins, and Saka inside the first 20 minutes deciding the match. But, he was displeased with the energy at the iconic venue.

“We had limited training days to prepare against a drilled team and we performed excellently,” the coach stated. “It could have been 5-0 up at half-time. We missed the fourth and fifth ones. There was little noise. There was no support back from the stands. Our team gave their all to win.”

“What more can you give in 20 minutes? We didn’t let them get away. If you hear just Wales fans for half an hour, it’s sad because the squad earned better encouragement today.”

“I stand by my words. We cannot do more than leading 3-0 in a derby. I would have wished for a bit more support in moments where it becomes tough.”

“After halftime, to cheer us on, there was excessive support for Wales. It might have aided us to recharge, but it is what it is and so be it.”

Squad Decisions Justified by Performance

Away from risking a dispute among fans, Tuchel also caused a stir by leaving out Bellingham and Phil Foden from his team selection. Yet the decision was validated by Rogers impressing again in the No 10 position and netting his maiden goal for his country.

“That’s his style,” Tuchel said. “He is a No 10 and he is fighting for his place.”

Wales Manager Seeks Lessons from Defeat

The Wales manager expressed hope that his team, who host Belgium in a key qualifying match on next week, take lessons from their disappointing performance in the opening period.

“This is why I wanted this match,” Bellamy stated. “I wanted to assess where we are. What are our ambitions? Who do we want to be? Today fills me with motivation.”

Fitness Worry for Watkins

Watkins was withdrawn at half-time after colliding with a goalpost and will be a doubt when the national team play their next opponents in the Latvian capital in a qualifier on next week.