England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued fresh criticism of Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden following their performances in England’s recent 2-0 victory over Albania. While the Three Lions kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a solid win, thanks to goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane, Tuchel is demanding more from his squad—especially from his wingers.
Ahead of England’s upcoming clash against Latvia, Tuchel addressed Rashford and Foden’s underwhelming displays, emphasizing the need for greater influence on the flanks. “I think they know what I expect from them,” Tuchel told reporters. “I’ve spoken to both, even in front of the squad. I appreciate their efforts, particularly off the ball, but we need more from them going forward.”
Tuchel’s Tactical Concerns Over Rashford and Foden
Rashford, who recently secured a loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa, struggled to make an impact against Albania despite making several runs that went unnoticed by his teammates. Tuchel acknowledged the forward’s frustrations, stating, “Marcus had many runs when we had the ball, but we didn’t see him or utilize him effectively. He was a bit unlucky with timing, and sometimes we overlooked him.”
On the other hand, Foden, who joined the England squad after a turbulent club season, has yet to rediscover the form that earned him PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year accolades. Manchester United legend Roy Keane didn’t hold back in his post-match analysis, suggesting Foden might struggle for a starting role in future matches.
Despite these concerns, Tuchel remains confident in both players. Speaking to talkSPORT, he reaffirmed his belief in their abilities: “We have full confidence in both wingers—that’s why they are here. Not every player can consistently perform at the highest level, but we trust them to find their rhythm.”
Rashford’s Revival at Aston Villa & Tuchel’s Verdict
While Foden’s form remains a concern, Rashford has shown signs of resurgence since joining Aston Villa in January. Tuchel downplayed any criticism of Rashford’s recent performance, insisting that a single challenging match doesn’t overshadow his progress.
“Marcus is in the opposite situation,” Tuchel explained. “Since January, he’s settled into a new club, a new environment, and has been outstanding. A tough 60 or 70 minutes against Albania doesn’t change that.”
Squad Rotation and Injury Setbacks
As England prepares for their next match against Latvia, Tuchel is weighing up potential squad changes, with several players feeling the physical toll of their previous game. One confirmed absence is Anthony Gordon, who has been forced to withdraw due to a bruised hip that has left him struggling to walk properly.
“He had a real opportunity to start, and I’m sad that he’s out,” Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He was eager to play, but after his red card, illness, and now injury, he hasn’t had the best luck. He’ll take some time to rest with his family while we explore alternative options.”
With key players under scrutiny and lineup changes expected, all eyes are now on England’s performance against Latvia as Tuchel looks to refine his squad ahead of future fixtures.
