🔗 Share this article

The England head coach shared his disappointment that the England team did not receive more encouragement from the home crowd during their decisive 3-0 friendly victory on Thursday evening.

Tuchel was happy to see his side continue their good form, with finishes from Rogers, Watkins, and Saka inside the opening quarter effectively ending the match. Yet, he was unhappy with the atmosphere at the iconic venue.

“We had one and a half training days to prepare against a drilled team and we performed excellently,” Tuchel stated. “It could have been five goals ahead at the break. We couldn’t score the fourth and fifth goals. The stadium was silent. There was no any energy back from the crowd. Our team gave their all to win.”

“How much more can you deliver in the first quarter? We didn’t let them escape. If you hear just the Welsh supporters for half an hour, it’s regrettable because the team deserved greater backing today.”

“I maintain my words. We cannot do more than leading 3-0 in a derby. I hoped for a greater support in moments where it is challenging.”

“In the second half, to get behind us, there was excessive support for Wales. It could have helped us to refocus, but that’s the way it went and so be it.”

Selection Choices Justified by Display

Apart from risking a dispute among fans, Tuchel also created controversy by excluding Bellingham and Phil Foden from his team selection. But the move was justified by Rogers delivering another standout performance in the No 10 position and netting his maiden goal for his country.

“He plays his game,” the head coach explained. “He is a No 10 and he is fighting for his spot.”

Wales Manager Seeks Improvement from Defeat

Craig Bellamy hopes that Wales, who face Belgium in a key World Cup qualifier on next week, improve after their poor performance in the opening period.

“This is why I scheduled this match,” Bellamy commented. “I wanted to assess our current level. Where do we want to go? Who do we want to be? Today gives me inspiration.”

Injury Concern for Watkins

Watkins was taken off at the break after colliding with a post and is a concern when the national team face their next opponents in the Latvian capital in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.