Thomas Tuchel enjoyed a positive first camp as England boss but admits the World Cup qualification win against Latvia could have been turned “upside down” had Jude Bellingham been sent off.
The German head coach oversaw a 3-0 victory against the side ranked 140th in the world at Wembley, where Reece James opened the scoring, and his international account, with a fantastic first-half free-kick.
Skipper Harry Kane’s 71st goal for England and substitute Eberechi Eze’s first completed Monday’s victory against Latvia after Tuchel withdrew Bellingham having avoided a second yellow card.
The Real Madrid star was booked for a foul on Dmitrijs Zelenkovs as half-time approached and avoided another shortly after the restart for a mistimed challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis.
England boss Tuchel told ITV they “were a bit lucky” with the second decision and said in the press conference: “I don’t know if he was fortunate (to avoid a red).
“I think the first one was a bit harsh because I felt that he was dribbling and suddenly we had a yellow card.
“We had some nasty fouls from the opponent, where the referee just decided to look away. It felt a bit strange that we go into a half-time with a yellow card and then none of our opponents (did) but OK.
“And, yeah, the second one, I think it was possible, it felt that it was possible. It would have been harsh but it would have put the game upside down.
“Of course, straight away, we decided to take him out, got Phil (Foden) ready and changed him.
“I think, like in general, you could see today the huge effort that Jude put in in the first game (against Albania). I think you could see he did not feel so fresh. That was my observation, I’m not sure if he will agree.
❤️🏴 pic.twitter.com/CQ3DQ8VL29
— England (@England) March 24, 2025
“With the substitution, he was getting stronger and stronger again, but I didn’t want to take the risk and took him off.”
Latvia boss Paolo Nicolato downplayed the Bellingham incident, saying it would not have changed “the big picture” given his unfancied side were up against the Euro 2024 runners-up.
Tougher tests are to come for England but Tuchel was pleased with a positive first camp featuring Group K wins against Albania and then Latvia.
“Very happy because of the players mainly,” the England boss said. “The staff were amazing, the organisation of the camp was absolute top but the players made the difference.
“Of course, like always, they reminded me instantly why I was excited about the job – because of these players, top characters, very good group.
“I think we had some excellent days on the pitch, but also off the pitch. Good energy and a very positive atmosphere from the start.
“Everyone wants to give his best. Everyone is proud to play for England, to be in the starting 11, wants to come on. It was a good atmosphere, good start.
“I think we need exactly these kind of matches, even in the tension of a World Cup qualifier, and also in the tension that not everything falls into place from the first minute.
“To get to know each other better, to learn from each other and yeah, that’s the big takeaway.
“There is still room to improve but overall we have two wins, two clean sheets. We did not allow any big chances in two matches, so there’s a lot of positives to take away and still room to improve. It’s good stuff.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...

Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...

Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...

WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...

Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...

Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...

Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...

Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...

Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...



- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga