Thomas Tuchel has expressed his disappointment with the England squad's performance and attitude following their narrow 1-0 victory against Andorra in a World Cup qualifier held in Barcelona. Despite securing three points and maintaining a perfect start under his management, Tuchel was far from impressed with the team's overall display, particularly their lack of urgency and energy.
England struggled to break down a resolute Andorran defense, ranked 173rd in the world, and needed a second-half goal from Harry Kane to secure the win. While Kane's goal marked his 450th senior career goal, the overall performance raised concerns about England's ability to compete against stronger opposition.
Tuchel openly criticized his players, stating he "didn't like the attitude how we ended the game." He further elaborated that while he was pleased with the team's start in the first 25 minutes, he disliked their performance in the subsequent period, citing a lack of "seriousness and the urgency" required for a World Cup qualifier. He felt the team "played with fire" and that their body language was not appropriate for the occasion.
The England boss also highlighted the team's loss of momentum after a promising start. He noted that they created several half-chances and set-pieces early on but failed to capitalize. The team's energy, rhythm, and determination waned as the game progressed, leading to a decline in the quality of their passing and finishing.
Several players, including Curtis Jones, Dan Burn, and Cole Palmer, were singled out for their ineffective performances. While Noni Madueke was a bright spark, adding speed and purpose to the attack, he was unable to convert a late chance to extend England's lead. Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers showed flashes of quality, but overall, England lacked the spark needed to dominate the game.
Harry Kane acknowledged the team's shortcomings, admitting that "we can play better." He pointed out that the team gave the ball away too often, which boosted Andorra's confidence and energy. Kane emphasized the importance of learning from the match and improving for future games, especially with the World Cup approaching. He also mentioned the challenges of playing at the end of a long season, with players potentially feeling the effects of fatigue.
Tuchel is demanding a much-improved display in their upcoming friendly against Senegal. He emphasized the need to address the issues identified in the Andorra game and ensure the team is better prepared for future challenges. He wants the team to maintain urgency until the final whistle, something he felt was missing against Andorra.