England player ratings: How players played in Thomas Tuchel's first game

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/ckgy348j61ro

Summary

Thomas Tuchel's England debut saw a dominant 4-0 win against Albania, marking a fresh start after a disappointing World Cup. Alex Howell's player ratings highlighted strong performances, particularly from Bellingham (9/10) and Alexander-Arnold (8/10), suggesting adaptation to Tuchel's tactics. Key observations included a high press, fluid formation, and emphasis on possession, utilizing full-backs as playmakers. While a positive start, tougher tests against Germany and France loom, requiring Tuchel to integrate new players, improve defensive solidity, and find midfield balance. Overall, the victory signals a promising future for England under Tuchel's leadership.

Full News Report

Here's the article: **Tuchel's England Era Begins: Player Ratings from Albania Thrashing** England fans got their first glimpse of a new era last night as Thomas Tuchel oversaw a dominant 4-0 victory against Albania at Wembley Stadium. Who impressed for England in Thomas Tuchel's first game as head coach? What tactical changes were immediately apparent? When did the goals arrive? Where did England exploit Albania’s weaknesses? Why was this win so important for building momentum? How did individual players perform under Tuchel’s new system? Alex Howell provides in-depth England player ratings following the match, analyzing the key performances and dissecting the implications for the future of the national team. This wasn't just another routine qualifier. It was the start of something fresh, a chance for England to rebuild after a disappointing World Cup exit and to embrace a new vision under the tutelage of one of Europe's most respected managers. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of anticipation and cautious optimism, as the Three Lions took to the pitch. Albania, ranked significantly lower than England, offered a manageable first test, but one that would quickly reveal the early stages of Tuchel's influence on the team. The comfortable victory suggests the players are already adapting to his methods, and Howell's England player ratings offer a fascinating insight into the individual contributions to that success. **H2: England Player Ratings: Howell's Verdict on Tuchel's Debut** Here's a breakdown of how each player performed, according to Alex Howell, offering insight into their contributions and areas for improvement under the new regime. Remember, these are early impressions, and performances are subject to change as Tuchel continues to implement his tactical philosophy. * **Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford: 6/10** Pickford had a relatively quiet night, facing few genuine threats from Albania. His distribution was solid, and he commanded his area well when called upon. A clean sheet is always a positive, but he wasn't truly tested. * **Right-Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8/10** Alexander-Arnold looked revitalized under Tuchel. His attacking prowess was on full display, providing dangerous crosses and linking up well with the midfield. Defensively, he was more disciplined than in previous outings, seemingly adhering to Tuchel's tactical instructions. This performance suggests a potential turning point in his England career. He played a key role in the second goal with a pinpoint cross. * **Centre-Back – John Stones: 7/10** Stones provided a calming presence at the back. He was composed on the ball and made several crucial interceptions. His partnership with Maguire looked solid, providing a platform for the team to build from. * **Centre-Back – Harry Maguire: 7/10** Maguire silenced some of his critics with a dominant aerial display and a solid defensive performance. He was strong in the tackle and organized the backline effectively. While Albania didn't pose a significant threat, Maguire showed signs of returning to his best form. * **Left-Back – Luke Shaw: 7.5/10** Shaw offered a good balance of attack and defense. He provided width down the left flank and defended diligently. His crossing was accurate, and he contributed to the overall attacking flow of the team. He appears to be thriving in a system that encourages full-backs to get forward. * **Defensive Midfield – Declan Rice: 8.5/10** Rice was the anchor in midfield, shielding the defense effectively and breaking up Albanian attacks. His passing was crisp and efficient, and he provided a platform for the more creative players to express themselves. He is becoming an increasingly vital component of the England team. His reading of the game was exceptional. * **Central Midfield – Jude Bellingham: 9/10** Bellingham was arguably the man of the match, dictating the tempo of the game with his energy, skill, and vision. He was a constant threat going forward, creating chances and driving the team forward. His performance demonstrated his world-class potential and suggested he could be a key player for England for years to come. He scored a stunning goal from outside the box. * **Central Midfield – James Maddison: 7/10** Maddison showed flashes of brilliance, but struggled to impose himself on the game as much as Bellingham. His passing was creative, and he looked dangerous when drifting into central areas. However, he needs to find more consistency to cement his place in the starting XI. * **Right Wing – Bukayo Saka: 8/10** Saka was a constant threat down the right wing, using his pace and trickery to create opportunities. He scored a well-taken goal and provided an assist. He is a versatile player who can thrive in multiple positions. His confidence is clearly growing. * **Left Wing – Marcus Rashford: 7.5/10** Rashford was lively and energetic, causing the Albanian defense problems with his pace and movement. He got himself into dangerous positions and contributed to the overall attacking threat of the team. While he didn't score, his performance was encouraging. * **Striker – Harry Kane: 8/10** Kane led the line effectively, holding up the ball well and bringing others into play. He scored a penalty and was a constant threat to the Albanian defense. His leadership and experience are invaluable to the England team. He continues to be a clinical finisher. **Substitutes:** * **Jordan Henderson: 6/10** – Came on to provide experience and composure in midfield. * **Jack Grealish: 7/10** – Added some flair and creativity to the attack. * **Phil Foden: 6.5/10** – Showed glimpses of his potential. * **Kalvin Phillips: 6/10** – Provided fresh legs in midfield. * **Tammy Abraham: N/A** – Didn't have enough time to make a significant impact. **H3: Tactical Observations: Tuchel's Early Impact** Beyond individual performances, the match offered glimpses into Tuchel's tactical approach. Some key observations include: * **High Pressing:** England pressed Albania high up the pitch, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities. This aggressive approach is a hallmark of Tuchel's teams. * **Fluid Formation:** While nominally a 4-3-3, the formation was fluid, with players interchanging positions and creating overloads in midfield and attack. * **Emphasis on Possession:** England dominated possession, dictating the tempo of the game and controlling the flow of play. Tuchel clearly values possession-based football. * **Full-Backs as Key Playmakers:** Alexander-Arnold and Shaw were given license to get forward and contribute to the attack, providing width and creating crossing opportunities. * **Bellingham as a Central Figure:** Tuchel appears to have identified Bellingham as a key player, giving him freedom to roam and influence the game in all areas. **H2: The Road Ahead: Building Momentum Under Tuchel** This victory against Albania is a positive start for Tuchel's England tenure. While the opposition was relatively weak, the performance was encouraging, showcasing tactical changes and individual improvements. The key now is to build on this momentum and continue to develop the team's understanding of Tuchel's philosophy. **H3: Potential Challenges and Future Opponents** The real tests will come against tougher opposition. Upcoming matches against Germany and France will provide a more accurate gauge of England's progress under Tuchel. He will also need to address potential challenges, such as: * **Integrating new players:** Tuchel will need to identify and integrate promising young players into the squad. * **Improving defensive solidity:** While the defense looked solid against Albania, it will face sterner tests against better attacking teams. * **Finding the right balance in midfield:** Tuchel needs to find the right combination of midfielders to provide both creativity and defensive solidity. * **Maintaining consistency:** England needs to maintain a high level of performance consistently, not just in friendly matches but also in competitive games. **H2: Conclusion: A Promising Start for England** Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge of England was a resounding success. The 4-0 victory against Albania was a statement of intent, showcasing the tactical changes and individual improvements he has already begun to implement. Howell's England player ratings provide a valuable insight into the key performances and highlight the players who have impressed under the new regime. While tougher tests lie ahead, this is a promising start for England, and fans have reason to be optimistic about the future. The team played with confidence and purpose, suggesting that Tuchel's influence is already taking hold. Whether this form can be sustained remains to be seen, but the early signs are undeniably positive for England and their new manager. The players played well, and England looks set for a strong future under Tuchel's guidance.