Thomas Tuchel reveals true colors with Jude Bellingham name Gareth Southgate saved ignoring

Watching England’s uninspiring wins in Thomas Tuchel’s first games as England boss taught us little or nothing.

It could have been Gareth Southgate stood there in his waistcoat, overseeing the underwhelming performances.

And if people think Tuchel can take England to that next level and win a major tournament, then think again.

The first of two World Cup qualifiers saw goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane dispatch Albania in a drab 2-0 victory at Wembley on Friday evening.

Second-half strikes from captain Kane and Eberechi Eze then spared the Three Lions’ blushes as they limped past Latvia on Monday night, with a 3-0 win that flattered the hosts. England were very fortunate not to find themselves 1-0 down before Reece James’s stunning free kick opened the scoring.

But one positive gleaned from the German’s reign so far is that he isn’t afraid to make unpopular decisions. Even if these are the right ones, like hauling off Jude Bellingham during the second half of the win over Latvia.

Bellingham had endured a miserable game and appeared to be doing his best to get sent off. In fact, he should have been, but wasn’t. So the former Chelsea boss in the dugout took the initiative and subbed him.

Something his predecessor Southgate was always reluctant to do.

The Real Madrid midfielder is a special talent, but his discipline is becoming a problem and sometimes the ‘Galactico’ needs bringing down a peg or two. And Tuchel is the man to do it.