Thomas Tuchel demands stronger performances from Foden and Rashford

In March 2025, England faced Albania in a World Cup qualifying match, which marked Thomas Tuchel’s first game as the national team manager. The team secured a 2-0 victory, with goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane. Although the win was commendable, Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with the overall team performance, particularly from wide players Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford, who were ineffective during the match. He emphasized the need for more aggressive runs and decisive plays from both players, who he felt did not reach the standards they usually exhibit at their respective clubs. Following the match, Tuchel communicated with both Foden and Rashford about their displays, wanting them to improve and contribute more significantly on the field. He noted that both players had shown promise in training but struggled during the game against Albania. Tuchel believes that providing them more opportunities for one-on-one situations will help unlock their potential. His analysis indicated that the team had been slow in their play and lacked sufficient movement, ultimately causing missed opportunities. Going into the next match against Latvia, Tuchel expressed the need to rotate the squad to manage player fatigue following the win against Albania. There was speculation about whether Foden and Rashford would retain their starting positions or if other players like Jarrod Bowen would be given a chance to showcase their abilities. With an ongoing quest for World Cup qualification, securing victories in the early stages is imperative for England. Tuchel understands that this is a transitional phase for the England team and that the players must adapt to his managerial style and demands. He noted the importance of creating a structure that would allow Foden and Rashford to excel, reinforcing that he remains confident in their abilities despite the criticism of their recent performances. The upcoming match against Latvia is expected to test the squad further and provide an opportunity for players to enhance their contributions to the team's success.