Thomas Touchel was pleased with England’s performance in a 2-0 win over Andorra, but was critical of the three forwards, while Roy Keene explained why he thinks the three lions are “trouble.”
England, as expected, enjoyed most of their possessions at Villa Park against their modest opponents, and comfortably won the game to win four to four in World Cup qualifiers, but as in each game under German bosses, it was another unforgettable display.
Christian Garcia’s own goal gave England the lead in the first half, following a cross from FIR’s Noni Maduke, who was once again positive for Tuchel before Declan Rice headed out from excellent Reese James to secure a victory midway through the second term.
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Tuchel said in his program he wanted a “spark at Villa Park” and believes he got it from the player on Saturday.
“The energy was right, the quality was right, so I should have scored more,” he said. “After the first goal, I lost so much of the ball’s loss and I lost focus and focus, I think it was 10 or 15 minutes, but I found it again in the second half and created a lot of opportunities.”
Touchel barely locked up his smile as Elliot Anderson’s “very good” performance as England’s No. 6, but was critical of the three forwards playing behind Harry Kane.
He added: “Ebz (Eberechi Eze) wasn’t having the best day in No. 10 position. He trained very well in decision making, but he struggled a bit. The final decision wasn’t clinical enough. Marcus Rashford had good moments but was unable to finish them with clinical assistance.
“It could happen against a narrow 5-4-1. The second goal could have probably scored a second goal because the player moved more freely and moved a little more confidently.”
Read more: Elliot Anderson runs England’s midfield as he did in Newcastle vs. Leeds
Roy Keene was equally impressed with Anderson’s exhibit, but also revealed why England is “in trouble.”
He said:
“I think Bill Shankley said years ago that when judging players, there was time on decisions and pace of passes, and the type of passes, which definitely had an impact.”
He added: “If you can’t play with freedom with teams like Andorra, you’re in trouble. I think England was still a little closer with their deaths.”
