
Tuchel Off to a Flying Start as England Claims Back-to-Back Wins!
2025-03-24
Author: John Tan
In a promising start to his tenure, Thomas Tuchel's coaching debut for the England national team has been nothing short of spectacular. The German tactician has led the team to two consecutive victories, scoring five goals without conceding any, showcasing his effectiveness and potential as head coach.
England's recent 3-0 triumph over Latvia at Wembley followed a 2-0 win against Albania just days prior. While both performances were not flawless, Tuchel's strategic decisions have already begun to pay dividends.
In the match against Albania, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly earned his first cap and made an immediate impact by netting his maiden goal for the Three Lions. Meanwhile, Monday's clash saw Tuchel make four changes to the lineup, one of which was the return of Reece James, who marked his first start since 2022 with a stunning free kick that opened the scoring for England.
Substitute Eberechi Eze also found the back of the net, scoring his inaugural goal for the national team against Latvia. This depth in talent is a promising sign for England's aspirations in qualifying for next year’s World Cup, especially as they strive to end a long trophy drought of nearly 60 years.
Though the upcoming challenge of the World Cup looms large, Tuchel's initial impact has been overwhelmingly positive. “I'm delighted with the players; they made my job easy,” Tuchel expressed, becoming the first permanent England manager to win his first two matches since Fabio Capello in 2008. He emphasized the strong character within the squad, appreciating the “excellent days” they shared both on and off the pitch.
Despite the modest quality of their opponents, Tuchel reiterated the importance of such matches in preparing for the high-stakes atmosphere of World Cup qualifiers. “We still have room for improvement, but two wins and two clean sheets are positives we take away,” he noted, praising the team's defensive solidity.
The coach also reignited Marcus Rashford's presence in the team, who had a lackluster display against Albania but found better form against Latvia. Tuchel reflected on Rashford's desire and confidence during the match, indicating he’s a key player as England moves forward.
As Tuchel heads into a frustrating hiatus until June for the next camp, the positive energy within the squad is palpable. Captain Harry Kane, who added to his record tally with a 71st goal on Monday, voiced his appreciation for Tuchel's approach: “He’s fantastic, settled in right away, and brought so much passion.”
With this impressive kickoff, the future looks bright for both Tuchel and the England team as they aim for glory on the international stage. Can Tuchel maintain this momentum and lead England to their first World Cup trophy in sixty years? Only time will tell!