Tuchel Criticizes Home Fan Atmosphere Despite Emphatic Win Over Wales.
Thomas Tuchel voiced his sadness that the Three Lions team did not get more backing from the Wembley spectators during their impressive friendly win against Wales on Thursday night.
Tuchel was pleased to see his side maintain their winning momentum, with finishes from Morgan Rogers, Watkins, and Bukayo Saka inside the initial stages settling the match. However, he was not content with the energy at the national stadium.
“With one and a half training days to get ready against a well-trained team and we performed excellently,” the coach remarked. “We could have been five goals ahead at the break. We couldn’t score the additional ones. It was quiet. There was no support back from the stands. We did everything to win.”
“What more can you give in the first quarter? We didn’t let them escape. If you hear just Wales fans for half an hour, it’s disappointing because the team deserved greater backing today.”
“I stand by this statement. We cannot do more than being 3-0 in a derby. I would have wished for a little more support in moments where it gets difficult.”
“After halftime, to support us, there was excessive backing for the opposition. It could have helped us to regain energy, but that’s football and so be it.”
Selection Choices Vindicated by Performance
Away from risking a dispute among supporters, Tuchel also created controversy by leaving out Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from his squad. But the move was justified by Rogers impressing again in the attacking midfield role and scoring his first international goal.
“He plays his game,” the head coach said. “He operates as an attacking midfielder and he is competing for his place.”
Bellamy Seeks Lessons from Defeat
Craig Bellamy hopes that his team, who face a strong Belgian side in a important qualifying match on Monday, take lessons from their awful first-half display.
“This is why I scheduled this friendly,” Bellamy said. “I need to see our standing. Where do we want to go? What is our identity? Today fills me with inspiration.”
Fitness Worry for Striker
Watkins was taken off at the break after hitting a post and may miss out when the national team play their next opponents in Riga in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.
