England prolonged Thomas Tuchel’s 100% begin to his reign as Reece James’ first worldwide objective impressed a 3-0 win towards Latvia in Monday’s World Cup qualifier. Tuchel’s aspect as soon as once more laboured to interrupt down defensive opposition for lengthy intervals at Wembley. But 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 One 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.
But James was a key determine when Tuchel’s Chelsea received the 2021 Champions League and the 25-year-old might emerge as a major weapon if he can keep match.
England captain Harry Kane put the end result past doubt within the second half together with his 71st worldwide objective, earlier than Eberechi Eze got here off the bench to bag his maiden objective for the Three Lions.
Despite their inconsistent begin to the Tuchel period, the paucity of their opponents in a weak Group Ok means England are already nicely on the way in which to the 2026 World Cup within the United States, 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 supply a crew that performs with extra braveness than the “afraid” group that reached the Euro 2024 ultimate beneath his predecessor Gareth Southgate.
But Tuchel has already proven he is not involved about ruffling the feathers of his superstars.
He saved the gamers guessing over his line-up till just some hours earlier than kick-off, with England’s beginning line-up missing a single participant from Manchester United, Manchester City or Liverpool for the primary time since 1992.
Moment of magic
City 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 a substitute of Liverpool’s Curtis Jones.
James got here in for Kyle Walker and Marc Guehi changed Dan Burn at centre-back.
Frustrated by England’s limp efficiency in his debut, Tuchel had informed his gamers to “increase the requirements”, however they struggled to answer his rallying cry.
Although England monopolised possession, they almost fell behind in embarrassing trend after 19 minutes.
Guehi and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford obtained in a tangle as they dithered over a cross 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 almost 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 chic 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 utterly 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 pink 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 readily available to fit dwelling in sometimes predatory trend.
Crystal Palace winger Eze supplied an uplifting flourish within the 76th minute, dancing by for a shot that went in through a deflection off Antonijs Cernomordijs.
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