Tuchel demanding more from England players

England men’s senior team head coach Thomas Tuchel was dissatisfied with his side’s performance in a 1-0 win against Andorra at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.

Despite making it three wins from his first three games in charge of the Three Lions, Tuchel explained that he expected more from his team, with Harry Kane scoring the only goal of the game which proved to be the difference.

“I am not happy with the performance, of course,” reflected Tuchel. “We can admit it is not what we expect from us. We need to do better. We have time to look at it in detail and address it clearly and directly to be better on Tuesday.”

Although the England boss insisted his side enjoyed the brighter start to the contest, Tuchel’s side couldn’t make the early pressure count – something he was disappointed with as it remained goalless between the two teams until the 50-minute mark.

“I think we started quite well in the first 20-25 minutes, that was the only part where I had the feeling it was a matter of time,” assessed Tuchel. “We created a lot of half chances and a lot of set pieces and I had the feeling it was a matter of time we would score and keep on going.

“We lost completely the momentum [and] couldn't get it back through the whole first half. We got a little bit of it back in the first 15 minutes of the second half and then ended up in a period that was by far not good enough.”

Tuchel identified the lack of energy from his players as being one of their shortfalls as he talked through the game after the full-time whistle, highlighting the importance of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

“The message got across because we had a good 25 minutes,” said Tuchel. “We played according to the plan but we couldn't keep the energy up.

“After 25 minutes, the energy, rhythm and determination was not there anymore. There was a lack of quality in the little details, passing, finishing and decision-making.

“I was most worried in the last 20 minutes because I did not like the attitude with which we ended this game. It felt almost like we have to play until the 93rd minute. I didn't like the lack of urgency, I felt it did not match the occasion.

“It is still a World Cup qualifier away from home. I didn't like it at all. All the players know because I said it in the dressing room. It is also necessary to have a look in detail and watch the match again.”

Nevertheless, the Three Lions head coach singled out the individual display from Noni Madueke as being one of the redeeming elements.

The 23 year old set up England captain Kane for his 72nd goal for his country, with the forward handed a start by Tuchel before the game.

“He was maybe over the course of the match the most dangerous,” explained Tuchel. “I could feel his hunger, his desire and determination to do what was the plan to do. He was one of the few who met expectations.”