Thomas Tuchel shared his disappointment that the England team did not receive greater backing from the home crowd during their impressive triumph over Wales on Thursday night.
Tuchel was happy to see his team showcase their winning momentum, with strikes from Rogers, Watkins, and Saka inside the initial stages settling the match. Yet, he was displeased with the mood at the national stadium.
“We had one and a half sessions to get ready against a drilled team and we did very well,” the coach stated. “It could have been 5-0 up at half-time. We couldn’t score the additional goals. There was little noise. There was no any energy back from the crowd. We did everything to win.”
“How much more can you give in 20 minutes? We prevented them get away. If you hear just the Welsh supporters for half an hour, it’s sad because the squad deserved greater backing today.”
“I maintain my words. We cannot do more than being 3-0 in a derby. I hoped for a little more backing in phases where it becomes tough.”
“In the second half, to support us, there was a bit too much backing for the opposition. It might have aided us to regain energy, but it is what it is and that is it.”
Away from risking a fight with supporters, Tuchel also raised eyebrows by excluding Jude Bellingham and Foden from his squad. But the decision was justified by Rogers excelling in the attacking midfield role and getting his first international goal.
“That’s his style,” the head coach noted. “He is a No 10 and he is fighting for his place.”
The Wales manager expressed hope that Wales, who host a strong Belgian side in a key World Cup qualifier on Monday, learn from their poor first-half display.
“That’s the reason I wanted this game,” Bellamy said. “I need to see our standing. Where do we want to go? Who do we want to be? Today fills me with motivation.”
Ollie Watkins was substituted at the break after clattering into a goalpost and may miss out when the national team face their next opponents in Riga in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.
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