The England manager Questions Wembley Crowd Support Following Dominant Wales Victory.
Thomas Tuchel voiced his regret that the England team did not receive stronger support from the Wembley crowd during their commanding triumph over Wales on Thursday evening.
The manager was satisfied to see his team showcase their winning momentum, with strikes from Rogers, Watkins, and Bukayo Saka inside the initial stages settling the contest. But, he was unhappy with the mood at the national stadium.
“With one and a half training days to get ready against a well-trained team and we did very well,” Tuchel remarked. “We could have been five goals ahead at half-time. We couldn’t score the additional ones. There was little noise. There was no support back from the crowd. Our team gave their all to win.”
“What more can you give in the first quarter? We didn’t let them get away. When you only hear just Wales fans for half an hour, it’s sad because the squad deserved better encouragement today.”
“I maintain my words. We cannot do more than leading three goals up in a derby. I hoped for a greater backing in moments where it gets difficult.”
“In the second half, to get behind us, there was a bit too much backing for the opposition. It could have helped us to refocus, but that’s the way it went and that is it.”
Selection Choices Justified by Display
Away from risking a fight with supporters, the manager also caused a stir by leaving out Bellingham and Phil Foden from his squad. However the choice was validated by Rogers impressing again in the No 10 position and netting his first international goal.
“He plays his game,” the head coach said. “He operates as an attacking midfielder and he is fighting for his spot.”
Bellamy Seeks Lessons from Loss
Craig Bellamy hopes that Wales, who host Belgium in a key World Cup qualifier on next week, improve after their disappointing performance in the opening period.
“This is why I scheduled this friendly,” Bellamy commented. “I wanted to assess our current level. Where do we want to go? What is our identity? Today fills me with drive.”
Injury Concern for Watkins
Ollie Watkins was substituted at the break after colliding with a goalpost and may miss out when the national team face Latvia in the Latvian capital in a qualifier on Tuesday.
