Thomas Tuchel voiced his regret that the Three Lions team did not get greater encouragement from the home fans during their decisive 3-0 friendly victory on Thursday evening.
The manager was satisfied to see his team showcase their strong performance, with goals from Morgan Rogers, Watkins, and Saka inside the initial stages settling the contest. But, he was displeased with the energy at the iconic venue.
“With limited training days to get ready against a well-trained team and we did very well,” Tuchel remarked. “It could have been 5-0 up at the break. We couldn’t score the fourth and fifth goals. It was quiet. There was no any energy from the crowd. Our team gave their all to win.”
“How much more can you provide in the first quarter? We didn’t let them escape. When you only hear just the Welsh supporters for half an hour, it’s regrettable because the team deserved more support today.”
“I stand by my words. We cannot do more than leading three goals up in a rivalry match. I would have wished for a little more backing in phases where it gets difficult.”
“In the second half, to support us, there was a bit too much support for Wales. It could have helped us to refocus, but that’s football and so be it.”
Away from potentially starting a fight with supporters, the manager also raised eyebrows by excluding Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from his squad. However the choice was justified by Morgan Rogers impressing again in the attacking midfield role and scoring his maiden goal for his country.
“He plays his game,” the head coach explained. “He is a No 10 and he is vying for his position.”
The Wales manager hopes that Wales, who host a strong Belgian side in a key World Cup qualifier on next week, improve after their disappointing first-half display.
“That’s the reason I wanted this game,” the manager said. “I need to see our standing. What are our ambitions? What is our identity? This performance fills me with motivation.”
Ollie Watkins was substituted at half-time after colliding with a post and is a concern when the national team play Latvia in the Latvian capital in a World Cup qualifying match on next week.
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