England Player Ratings: How the Squad Performed in Thomas Tuchel's Debut Match!

In a highly anticipated clash, the England national team took the field under the management of Thomas Tuchel for the first time. Fans were eager to see how the players would respond to a fresh tactical approach. Here’s a look at how each player fared in this pivotal match against Albania:

Jordan Pickford

The Everton goalkeeper had a relatively quiet game, with minimal saves to make but showcased his trademark distribution skills. His calm presence helped organize the defense. Rating: 6/10

Kyle Walker

Chosen as the right-back in Tuchel's four-man defense, Walker provided crucial width and experience, especially with two debutants beside him. His single key interception was pivotal, although he had limited defensive responsibilities. Rating: 6/10

Ezri Konsa

In his first start under the new manager, Konsa was reliable defensively and handled the limited Albanian attacks with ease. His performance was a promising sign for England as they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. Rating: 7/10

Dan Burn

The Newcastle defender earned his first cap for the national team, highlighting a remarkable rise in his career. Burn was solid with vital blocks and came close to scoring, hitting the bar with a header from a set-piece. Despite a few shaky moments, he managed to maintain composure. Rating: 6/10

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Making his full England debut, the young Arsenal defender had an exceptional game, contributing from both defense and midfield. His remarkable strike made him the youngest player to score on his senior debut for England, making history at just 18 years old! Rating: 8/10

Declan Rice

Playing deeper in midfield, Rice was instrumental in transitioning play and provided an assist for Harry Kane's goal with a clever pass. His defensive duties were minimal, but he effectively distributed the ball to attacking players. Rating: 7/10

Curtis Jones

Despite being in his third start, Jones demonstrated glimpses of the talent that has made him an essential part of Liverpool's midfield this season. His playmaking was impressive, though his impact diminished in the second half before being substituted. Rating: 6/10

Phil Foden

Struggling to find his rhythm, Foden played on the right wing—a position he is not typically known for. Despite his undeniable talent, he faced challenges breaking down a compact Albanian defense and provided a quieter performance than expected. Rating: 5/10

Jude Bellingham

The young star was influential, providing a brilliant assist for Lewis-Skelly's opening goal. Bellingham’s ability to penetrate defenses with both passing and dribbling was key to England’s approach throughout the match. Rating: 7/10

Marcus Rashford

Linking up well with Bellingham on the left, Rashford showed his attacking intent and exhibited the pressing capability that Tuchel desires. However, he faded in the second half and was subbed off, resulting in a less impactful performance overall. Rating: 6/10

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tuchel's first game as manager brought a mix of promising performances, especially from the younger players like Myles Lewis-Skelly, while seasoned veterans like Walker and Pickford offered stability. The squad looks poised for further development as they prepare for future challenges on the road to the World Cup! Keep an eye on this team; they might just be on the brink of greatness!