England boss Thomas Tuchel identifies key areas for improvement

Thomas Tuchel’s England beat Albania 2-0 in his first game in charge as manager for the Three Lions on Friday night.

Goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane got them flying in a comfortable win. However, the signs were clear as to the new direction of the team – a more proactive and expansive football is the demand from the German gaffer.

The demand for possession-based football is needed and high on the agenda, but the chance to penetrate a low-block needs improvement. It sums up England’s sluggishness and “fear” when on the offensive.

Part of the key principles of Tuchel’s philosophy is to press high upfield whenever the ball is lost. With Declan Rice, Curtis Jones, Kyle Walker, and Bellingham all starting the game with that sharp, pressing attitude, it was a major positive for the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager.

The Three Lions had 88 percent possession before Albania’s first chance of the game. This was a testament of England’s dominant posture of the night.

The 51-year-old manager singled out a few players with praise, particularly for the young Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly.

“He was amazing in camp. Full of confidence, full of humor – such an open character,

“He was decisive and opened the game for us,” said Tuchel of England’s new teenage star.

Tuchel also called for improvement in key areas of the game, with Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon out of the squad.

Replacements, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford did little to impress the new boss – a disappointed Tuchel called a spade a spade.

Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden playing for England — Marcus Rahsford and Phil Foden playing for England against Albania in a 2-0 win.

“Both of our wingers were not as impactful as normally they can be, as they normally are in club football,” said Tuchel.

“We lacked a bit of runs off the ball, not enough passing and dribbling. Not enough driving with the ball. Not aggressive enough towards goal.

“Individually, we can have more impact from the wingers.” It showed a small sense of ruthlessness from Tuchel to call out two individuals after game one. Perhaps this is the England we are set to see.

“Both of our wingers were not as impactful as normally they can be, as they normally are in club football,” said Tuchel.

“We lacked a bit of runs off the ball, not enough passing and dribbling. Not enough driving with the ball. Not aggressive enough towards goal. Individually, we can have more impact from the wingers.”