Thomas Tuchel warns England fans ahead of Latvia clash after ugly Albania win
England beat Albania in Thomas Tuchel's first game but the German knows there will be times his team will have to grind out results to reach the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel has warned England must win ugly in World Cup qualifying (Image: Getty Images)
England boss Thomas Tuchel has warned fans his team will be required to win ugly if they are to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel's tenure as Three Lions boss began positively with a 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley on Friday night. However, he expressed concern over his team's performance in the second half, where they allowed the visitors to regain momentum while pursuing a second goal.
With England the clear favourites in a group that also includes Latvia, Serbia and Andorra, Tuchel is keen to ensure his players don't underestimate teams who will adopt a defensive strategy. The next match for the Three Lions is against Latvia at Wembley on Monday night. Tuchel commented: "This will be the story of qualification. We will go through the whole group with everyone knowing we are the favourites - but we must accept it and keep on going.
"I was happy with the way we controlled Albania's counter-attacks in the first half, when we didn't concede even a half-chance.
"But in the second half, we took a little more risk in the structure and I felt we became a bit more vulnerable because suddenly we had six players higher up the pitch and we were not so disciplined in our positions."
"The ball losses then became a little bit more dangerous. That came from a lack of discipline. Our game also slowed down - and I'm not exactly sure why. I'm not the most patient guy in the world when it comes to it - but I will learn and push the players."
Tuchel acknowledged the unique challenges of international football, saying: "I have to adapt to the rhythm of international football when the challenge is to prepare inside three days, with 20 players from 10 or 12 clubs with one idea of football.
BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, gives instructions during a training session at St George's Park on March 19, 2025 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
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"It's an okay start. It was a very good result to start against an unorthodox opponent."
As England gear up for their match against Latvia, Tuchel expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he received against Albania, including a special banner: "I saw the banner. It was fantastic, amazing, thank you so much for that.
"It was amazing to hear the national anthem and to be in charge. It still feels great, I love the group of players - and now we will try to squeeze the best out of them."
