What we realized about Thomas Tuchel’s England tenure with routine win over Albania

On Mar 21, 2025

Thomas Tuchel is off to a winning start with the Three Lions – and Daily Star Sport has a look at what England has a look at what we can expect

21:39, 21 Mar 2025Updated 21:44, 21 Mar 2025

Thomas Tuchel is off the mark with England(Image: Getty Images)

So here we go, the road to the World Cup under our Tommy starts now.

Thomas Tuchel was at the helm of the England team for the first time on Friday, and while it was unconvincing at times he did what he needed to do. Three points secured, onto Latvia.

Article continues below

And as the Tuchel era swings into gear – thanks to goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane – Daily Star Sport has a look at what we can expect from the German after his first game in charge.

Trust in his youth

Myles Lewis-Skelly of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England.

Myles Lewis-Skelly scored the first goal of the Thomas Tuchel era(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel made a number of big calls when he named his first England starting side on Friday evening – Marcus Rashford was there, so too was Phil Foden – and so was Myles Lewis-Skelly.

And it was the Arsenal starlet who would score the first goal of the Thomas Tuchel, after some lovely footwork from Jude Bellingham. It could be a sign of things to come under Tuchel – a man who is ready to give youth a chance if they’re ready.

Tuchel has one goal: win the World Cup. And who says the new generation aren’t the ones to deliver it.

Touchline wingers

Curtis Jones of England controls the ball the ball under pressure from Naser Aliji of Albania during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England.

England’s tactics under Thomas Tuchel were on full display(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

The opening exchanges against Albania gave us a very early indication about how Tuchel might get his England side to play.

Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden were pushed out right onto the touchline to spread the Albanian defence and create more room in the centre for players like Jude Bellingham to operate.

“I thought it’s only Pep, Maresca and Arteta that over complicate things,” one fan joked.

The Phil Foden mystery continues

Phil Foden of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England.

Phil Foden struggled for the Three Lions(Image: Getty Images)

When he’s at his best, Phil Foden is one of the best players in the Premier League, let alone England.

And yet he’s never truly reached his peak for the Three Lions – even as they roared into two major finals. Tuchel is latest manager to be tasked with bringing out the best of Foden, but it might even be too much for the German.

Foden again ghosted his way through the World Cup qualification clash with Albania. So how does Tuchel get the best out of him and where does he play him? Well that’s for him to figure out.

Article continues below

Harry Kane is still our main man

Era’s come and go – and Harry Kane still scores.

England have been within touching distance of a major international trophy, and it has been largely thanks to our No.9. There was no way Kane was not finding the back of the net on Friday – it took a while but his goal did come.

Tuchel wants to win the World Cup, and he’ll need Kane’s help to do. Tuchel let Kane do what he does best, drop into the whole and make things happen – he’s so much more than just a goalscorer.