FBL-WC-2026-EUR-QUALIFIER-AND-ENG
Thomas Tuchel says he didn't like the "lack or urgency" from his England players during their narrow 1-0 win over Andorra.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Following England's underwhelming victory against Andorra on Saturday, manager Tuchel criticised his side's performance, accusing them of not trying hard enough after 25 minutes. He also felt there wasn't enough intensity and quality in the Three Lions' display.
Andorra v England - European Qualifiers Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026
WHAT TUCHEL SAID
He told ITV Sport: "I am not happy with the performance, of course. I think we started quite well in the first 20-25 minutes, that was the only part where I had the feeling it was a matter of time. We created a lot of half chances and a lot of set pieces and I had the feeling it was a matter of time we would score and keep on going. We lost completely the momentum [and] couldn't get it back through the whole first half. We got a little bit of it back in the first 15 minutes of the second half and then ended up in a period that was by far not good enough."
Tuchel added: "After 25 minutes, the energy, rhythm and determination was not there anymore. There was a lack of quality in the little details, passing, finishing and decision-making. I was most worried in the last 20 minutes because I did not like the attitude with which we ended this game. It felt almost like we have to play until the 93rd minute. I didn't like the lack of urgency, I felt it did not match the occasion. It is still a World Cup qualifier away from home. I didn't like it at all. All the players know because I said it in the dressing room. It is also necessary to have a look in detail and watch the match again."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
England have won all three of Tuchel's first three games in charge but so far, life after Gareth Southgate is not all that rosy. They will certainly need to improve in all facets of their game if they want to win the 2026 World Cup, and they don't have that long to gel together to make that possible.
England Men Player Walkaround & Media Conference
WHAT NEXT?
Tuchel, who was criticised for his 'experimental' side against 173rd-ranked Andorra, will hope England can produce a much better performance against Senegal in a friendly fixture on Tuesday.
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