Thomas Tuchel unimpressed as new England era begins with with over Albania - reaction
England 2-0 Albania: Lewis-Skelly made history as the youngest player to score on his debut as the 18-year-old scored the first goal of the Tuchel era
Thomas Tuchel said England “have to do better” after overseeing a 2-0 win over Albania in his first game in charge, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring on his debut and Harry Kane grabbing his 70th international goal at Wembley
Lewis-Skelly, one of two England debutants along with Dan Burn on Tuchel’s first game in charge, scored the first goal of the German’s new era as the 18-year-old converted Jude Bellingham’s through ball in a fairytale moment.
But the second half of England’s opening World Cup qualifying fixture was not overly convincing, with Albania carrying some threat. Captain Kane made sure of the three points as he steered in a composed finish in the 77th minute.
There is work for Tuchel to do but England made a winning start on their road to the 2026 World Cup and they will return to Wembley on Monday for another qualifier against Latvia. "We can do better, we have to do better,” Tuchel said.
Follow all the reaction from Tuchel’s first game in charge at Wembley below
Thomas Tuchel on England win: 'We have to do better'
Thomas Tuchel’s first thoughts after his first game in charge of England, speaking to ITV.
"We can do better, we have to do better. We started well, we had seven-eight minutes with 100 per cent ball possession with a lot of passes and high energy.
" But the opponent is hard to break down as they defend in a deep block In the Euros they managed to not concede chances.
“Second half, I felt we were too slow and in general not enough runs off the ball to get behind the line."
Myles Lewis-Skelly 'lost for words' on England debut
“I am so grateful for the manager to put trust in me. I am so happy. My team-mates put so much trust in me. I’m lost for words,” the 18-year-old says to ITV.
"The fans made me feel at home so thank you to them. It’s incredible [to be behind Owen and Rooney as youngest England scorer], I don’t know what to say.”
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham plan reveals England direction under Thomas Tuchel
A first game that was encouraging rather than electrifying, with most of the new excitement offered by Myles Lewis-Skelly rather than any sense of a new era. Thomas Tuchel’s week culminated in the teenager’s night, as he became England football team’s youngest ever debutant goalscorer in this professional 2-0 win over Albania.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham plan reveals England direction under Thomas Tuchel
'Fearless' Lewis-Skelly praised after England debut
Only one way for the reaction to start,it’s England debutant, and goal-scorer, Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Declan Rice has had this to say about his performance:
“He is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18.
“I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has.
“He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him."
FULL TIME! England 2-0 Albania
You’ve got to start somewhere. But Thomas Tuchel wins his first game in charge of England. Will be interesting to hear what he made of England’s performance.
FULL TIME! England 2-0 Albania
The Thomas Tuchel era is underway with a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley! Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane on the scoresheet.
England 2-0 Albania
90+4 mins: Pickford comes out of his box to make a clearance. He hasn’t had anything to do in the second half, really.
England 2-0 Albania
90+1 mins: We’re into five minutes of added time.
It’s not been a classic. Or, we’ve seen this type of England game before. It’s a World Cup qualifier, England have won, but it’s not been overly entertaining.
England 2-0 Albania
90 mins: A final change for England and a standing ovation for Myles Lewis-Skelly! The scorer of the opening goal is replaced by Reece James.
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