England prolonged Thomas Tuchel’s 100% begin to his reign as Reece James’ first worldwide purpose impressed a 3-0 win towards Latvia in Monday’s World Cup qualifier.
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Tuchel’s aspect as soon as once more laboured to interrupt down defensive opposition for lengthy intervals at Wembley.
However three days after struggling to beat Albania 2-0 in Tuchel’s first recreation in cost, England finally mustered sufficient composure and high quality to kill off A hundred and fortieth-ranked Latvia.
James broke the impasse with an outstanding free-kick late within the first half because the Chelsea right-back made a powerful first England begin since September 2022.
Hamstring accidents had sidelined James for many of final season, in addition to a number of months within the present marketing campaign.
However James was a key determine when Tuchel’s Chelsea received the 2021 Champions League and the 25-year-old might emerge as a big weapon if he can keep match.
England captain Harry Kane put the outcome past doubt within the second half together with his 71st worldwide purpose, earlier than Eberechi Eze got here off the bench to bag his maiden purpose for the Three Lions.
Regardless of their inconsistent begin to the Tuchel period, the paucity of their opponents in a weak Group Ok means England are already effectively on the best way to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Tuchel is the primary England boss to win his first two aggressive matches since Fabio Capello.
The German now has 75 days to arrange for England’s subsequent qualifier in Andorra on June 7.
Tuchel has but to ship on his want to provide a crew that performs with extra braveness than the “afraid” group that reached the Euro 2024 closing underneath his predecessor Gareth Southgate.
However Tuchel has already proven he is not involved about ruffling the feathers of his superstars.
He stored the gamers guessing over his line-up till only a few hours earlier than kick-off, with England’s beginning line-up missing a single participant from Manchester United, Manchester Metropolis or Liverpool for the primary time since 1992.
Metropolis ahead Phil Foden was changed by Jarrod Bowen after his lacklustre show towards Albania, whereas Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers made his first England begin as an alternative of Liverpool’s Curtis Jones.
James got here in for Kyle Walker and Marc Guehi changed Dan Burn at centre-back.
Annoyed by England’s limp efficiency in his debut, Tuchel had instructed his gamers to “raise the standards”, however they struggled to reply to his rallying cry.
Though England monopolised possession, they practically fell behind in embarrassing style after 19 minutes.
Guehi and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford acquired in a tangle as they dithered over a move into the England space, permitting Vladislavs Gutkovskis to shoot into the side-netting when he ought to have scored.
Tuchel threw his head again in disbelief at such a rudimentary mistake.
England practically took the lead after that slender escape when Jude Bellingham’s header deflected to Ezri Konsa, whose close-range blast was fantastically tipped over by Krisjanis Zviedris.
It took James’ second of magic to interrupt the impasse within the thirty eighth minute as he curled a elegant free-kick over the Latvia wall and into the highest nook from 25 yards.
James’ surprisingly subdued celebration was a distinction to the relieved Tuchel’s fist-pumping delight on the touchline.
England had been by no means fully convincing on the again, however Pickford got here to the rescue with a save from Alvis Jaunzems.
Already on a reserving, Bellingham was lucky to keep away from a purple card after clattering Raivis Jurkovskis within the second half.
Bellingham was changed by Foden to save lots of him from a possible dismissal and England lastly doubled their lead within the 68th minute.
Declan Rice whipped a low cross into the six-yard field, the place Kane was available to fit house in usually predatory style.
Crystal Palace winger Eze offered an uplifting flourish within the 76th minute, dancing by way of for a shot that went in by way of a deflection off Antonijs Cernomordijs.
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