- Thomas Tuchel’s reign starts with World Cup qualifying victory at Wembley
- Lewis Myles-Skelly scores on debut before Harry Kane doubles England’s lead
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is England’s squad good enough to win the World Cup?
England kicked off the Thomas Tuchel era with an workmanlike 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley in the opening match of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The German manager handed debuts to Arsenal left-back Lewis Myles-Skelly and Newcastle’s League Cup hero Dan Burn while Marcus Rashford was welcomed back to the England fold with a start.
Myles-Skelly scored the first goal of the new regime when he latched onto Jude Bellingham‘s pinpoint through ball in the 20th minute to become England’s youngest ever debutant goalscorer.
But the expected flurry of goals against minnow opponents did not come as England struggled to break down a stubborn defence.
In the end, they were indebted to the trademark finishing of Harry Kane to avoid a nervy start as the Bayern Munich striker took down a ball in the box before turning quickly and firing into the corner to double England’s advantage in the 77th minute.
So, who would have caught Tuchel’s eye and who failed to take their chance against modest opposition?
Mail Sport’s LEWIS STEELE rates the players at Wembley as Tuchel starts his reign with a win.
Marcus Rashford was handed a start but his first touch often let him down against Albania
Jude Bellingham provided a moment of pure quality when he set up England’s opening goal
Dan Burn (No. 12) was dominant in the air on debut and came close to scoring with this header
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – 6.5
Mackem Pickford nearly clashed with his Geordie colleague in Dan Burn and let in a comical own goal but was a spectator otherwise.
Kyle Walker – 6.5
May have lost a yard of pace but he is still fairly rapid and the former Manchester City skipper, now at AC Milan, created problems going forward.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Saved a certain goal with a last-ditch tackle in the second half. Big show of faith from Tuchel to give the Villa man the nod ahead of the likes of Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill et al.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa was quietly impressive in the heart of England’s defence
Dan Burn – 6
Burn at the back stick at Wembley – where have we seen that before? No goals this time but the big lad was a menace when attacking corners.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
What an outstanding footballer. Had to rub your eyes when he scored to make sure it was not Kane, such was the prolific nature of the finish.
Declan Rice – 7
Nice assist for Kane. England completed more passes in the first half than any 45 minutes on Opta’s records.
Curtis Jones – 7
Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders said last year that England should build their midfield around Jones, Rice and Bellingham — and Tuchel clearly took note.
Phil Foden had some bright moments but we are yet to see the best of him in an England shirt
Phil Foden – 6.5
Has had a frustrating season but had some bright moments here, cutting in from the right-hand side. Fans are still waiting for the City star to show his best level for his country.
Jude Bellingham – 8.5 (MOTM)
The best player on the pitch. He so often had the keys to unlock a stubborn, deep Albania back line, with a beautiful assist. Tuchel clearly knows he is the main man.
Marcus Rashford – 6.5
A pleasing display for the Villa loanee but Rashford’s first touch let him down several times. Clearly playing with confidence, though.
Harry Kane – 7.5
Took his goal with confidence in the second half with a superb touch and clinical finish when off balance. Could have had one in the first half but for a fine Djimsiti block.
Harry Kane again showed what a brilliant finisher he is as he grabbed England’s second goal
Substitutes
Anthony Gordon (for Rashford, 74min) – 6
Jarrod Bowen (for Foden, 74min) – 6
Morgan Rogers (for Jones, 74min) – 6
Jordan Henderson (for Rice, 82min)
Reece James (for Lewis-Skelly, 90min)
Not used: D Henderson, Trafford, Guehi, Colwill, Eze, Solanke, Livramento.
Manager- Thomas Tuchel – 7
Animated, always barking instructions and often spotted jotting thoughts in his notepad. A pleasing first night for the new gaffer.
ALBANIA (4-2-3-1): Strakosha 5 (Kastrati 81); Balliu 5, Ajeti 6, Djimsiti 7, Aliji 6; Asllani 6, Ramadani 6; Asani 5 (Hoxha 78), Laci 6 (Pajaziti 78), Bajrami 5 (Broja 63, 6); Uzuni 5.
Subs not used: Sherri, Shehu, Manaj, Mihaj, Kumbulla, Berisha, Muci, Ismajli.
Booked: Djimsiti.
Scorers: None.
Manager: Sylvinho 6.
Referee- Alejandro Hernandez (Esp) – 6
Game passed without incident.
Attendance: 82,378.