Tuchel reacts to Spain defeat

Thomas Tuchel said he saw positives in England’s performance after the Three Lions fell to a 3-2 defeat against Spain in their UEFA Nations League opener. 

England went behind to an early Lamine Yamal strike at Wembley, but went into the half-time break ahead after two goals in four minutes from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane respectively. 

Tuchel’s side came out strong after the restart and had the chance to extend their lead when Jude Bellingham was brought down in the box, but a slip as he struck the ball saw Kane send his penalty against the crossbar.

Spain took advantage of that reprieve, with Alex Baena levelling before Mikel Oyarzable won it for the visitors 16 minutes from time. 

“The start was terrible, the worst start possible,” Tuchel said afterwards.

“It makes it so, so difficult to be behind against this kind of team.

“The reaction was very, very good. After 10 or 12 minutes, I think we were the better team. We still made two or three big mistakes and conceded big chances, but overall we were better.

“We dominated at home in the first half. We created, scored two goals and I think it was our best 15 minutes after the whistle.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert the penalty, which maybe would have been the decisive moment, because I think then Spain would have maybe, for the first time, believed that their long run of unbeaten games ends here.”

Gordon’s first-half equaliser showcased the best of Tuchel’s side, as he coolly rounded off a fine counter-attacking move.

The Three Lions boss felt they could have won the game with more moments like that in attack, but was keen to highlight his players' defensive efforts against a team that love to dominate possession.

“The top-transition goal we scored was an amazing goal, and we could have created more,” he added.

“The effort against the ball is also identity. The effort against the ball and the bravery and courage to have the high ball wins was outstanding.

“I think we had 12 or 15 more ball wins in the opponent’s half than Spain today. But we couldn’t convert enough into chances and goals, because otherwise we would have won the match.”