Tuchel: 'The energy was right'

England head coach Thomas Tuchel explained that there are ‘a lot’ of learnings he and his players can take from tonight’s result against Andorra.

The Three Lions ran out 2-0 winners at Villa Park and the England boss assessed his side’s performance.

“It’s a very different crowd to the Premier League and we know it,” noted Tuchel.

“I think the energy was right, the quality was there and we should’ve scored more. After the first goal, we had ten or 15 minutes with too many ball losses.

“We lost a bit of focus and concentration but second half, found it again and created a lot of chances and like I said, should’ve scored more.

“I think we missed a little bit the little moments to accelerate the game. We should’ve scored maybe the second one earlier because the second goal gave us a lot of freedom and players moved more freely and a bit more confident.”

The Three Lions boss praised debutant Elliot Anderson who made his senior bow for his country.

Having been handed a start by Tuchel prior to kick-off, the Nottingham Forest midfielder impressed in the West Midlands.

“Very, very good,” said Tuchel. “He was a bit nervous in the beginning of the training week and then he did good. We said, ‘let’s try it’. He showed that can become a very good player.

“That was a test and I think he passed the test so why not? There’s no reason why he should not play in Serbia if we decide to have the position for him. He’s ready to go.”

And Tuchel also spoke of the potential of Noni Madueke, who now boasts four goal involvements in his last eight games for England.

“That’s what he needs to give,” continued Tuchel. “If we push him, if he pushes himself, he can be very important player. Bukayo is at the moment injured for Arsenal and for us, so he steps up and that’s what he needs to do.”

Tuchel now turns his attention to Tuesday night, when the Three Lions travel to Serbia to continue their World Cup Qualification quest – a match-up that will prove to be a different kind of test for England, as he explained.

“The group played with the exact same attitude that they trained and I’m glad for the players,” reflected Tuchel. “We will prove the point now in Belgrade.

“We’re going to learn a lot from next Tuesday night. We’re ready for it, we know what’s coming.

“It’s a difficult away game but it’s a crucial game for us because we can make a huge step into the qualification and we’re well aware of it.

“Same system, totally different quality, totally different style of play, a much more physical away game, so we will be prepared.

“We have Sunday and Monday to prepare, to travel and we will be ready.”