England won both games in Tuchel's first international window in charge and we have a clearer picture of who he rates moving forward
England's 3-0 win against Latvia provided another window into Thomas Tuchel's world, with the Three Lions emerging victorious in both of his first two games under his tutelage.
Friday's triumph over Albania felt as routine as they could come despite the fanfare and hullabaloo heading into the German's debut in the Wembley dugout, with Monday's further three points in World Cup qualifying providing a different sort of test.
Albania sat in deep and played without any adventure whatsoever, but Latvia from the off sought to hit the hosts on the counter. Nevertheless, despite a couple of early scares, England were able to largely keep them at bay.
Reece James got the Three Lions on their way with a superb free-kick from distance on the stroke of half-time, while Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze added goals in the second half to beef up the scoreline.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Wembley Stadium…
Getty Images SportWINNER: Harry Kane
No England player had ever scored 70 goals for their country before Kane netted against Albania at the end of last week. His latest strike – a tap-in at the end of a Declan Rice through ball which scythed through the Latvia box like butter – took him to 71, 17 clear of Wayne Rooney in second place, 54 ahead of the closest active challenger in Marcus Rashford.
Sure, goals in games against minnows are bread and butter to the Bayern Munich striker, but you still have to go out there and get them. In the history of the England national team, there hasn't been a single better scorer, no one even close to being as prolific.
Kane said prior to the Albania win that he believed Tuchel intended to use him as more of an outright No.9, which would in turn limit his freedom to drop deep. That game plan went out the window and he found himself involved all over the pitch that night. On this occasion, Tuchel clearly told him to get within the width of the posts again and stay there. There were a couple of chances that came and went before the 31-year-old got on the scoresheet, and this relentless lust for goals paid off with a tap-in at the back post when Latvia's defenders became mentally weary.
There's also another record within Kane's sights – Peter Shilton's top tally of 125 England caps. He is now only 20 matches away from matching that number. Should Kane become both the leading appearance holder and record scorer, he may not even need to win an international tournament to be considered the best Three Lions player of all time.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWINNER: Reece James
There's never been much doubt over James' ability as a footballer, his technique or his touch, his proficiency in all three thirds of the pitch. If his body can hold up, then he's one hell of a player and not many better in his position.
The first manager to truly unlock James' potential was Tuchel, who pushed him as both a wing-back and centre-back in his days as Chelsea boss, and there will always be a special connection between the two. When James' fitness issues began to recur at Stamford Bridge, that's when the German's decline began, so it's no coincidence or surprise he's trying to make up for lost time again.
James' stunning free-kick from 25 yards was a neat reminder of what he can bring to the fold. Tuchel knows more than anyone else, but it was a timely wake-up call to those still sleeping on who the Chelsea captain can be.
Getty ImagesLOSERS: Trent Alexander-Arnold & Kyle Walker
James' gain is Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker's loss. They were Sir Gareth Southgate's preferred right-backs of choice heading into Euro 2024 last summer, though may not get as much of a look if everyone is fully fit.
Walker is perhaps a little lucky to even still be in England consideration having stumbled through a pretty bleak season on a stark decline to this point. Tuchel has maintained he wants experience and leaders in his setup, yet those are the only two characteristics keeping the veteran 34-year-old in the frame.
There's still hope for Alexander-Arnold despite the manager's warning that he isn't afraid to leave star names at home. An astute tactician like Tuchel find a use for one of the game's most unique right-backs. Let's just hope it's not in a basic midfield role again, eh?
Getty Images SportLOSER: Jack Grealish
On a similar note, Jack Grealish continues to tumble down the pecking order for his country. His omission from this camp was unsurprising considering his form, which Tuchel confirmed as the main reason for leaving him behind.
"I love Jack," he said earlier this month. "I love everything about him – his personality, I love his quality, the guy has courage, he can take the heat, he is not affected if the Bernabeu whistles him. So is he a player who can be available and have an impact in our squad? Yes – 100 per cent. But lately he simply has no rhythm, and he knows that himself. I think Jack gets better and better the more minutes he plays. He has the character to be the glue in a team, it is easy for youngsters to attach to him."
So when exactly will Grealish find that 'rhythm' again? It almost certainly won't come at a rebuilding Manchester City. Many Premier League clubs will baulk at any asking price and his substantial wage packet.
The hope for Grealish is also his hindrance – Tuchel has leant heavily on the previously maligned Marcus Rashford this past fortnight and clearly sees the Aston Villa loanee as a key building block for next summer's World Cup. Rashford ought to serve as both inspiration for an out-of-sorts Grealish, yet he also represents an obstacle on his path back into the England XI.
