Are England learning enough? Latvia’s deep defence poses question despite 3-0 win | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel’s England are ticking the necessary boxes, but they are far from the finished article.

A 3-0 win over Latvia in their latest World Cup qualifier was never in doubt, but it was not as straightforward as expected.

Reece James and Eberechi Eze scored their first England goals, while Harry Kane added another to his collection.

James’ free-kick, curled perfectly into the top corner, was the standout moment of the night. It was a moment of individual brilliance on a night when England largely lacked it.

Latvia’s deep defensive set-up frustrated Tuchel’s side for long spells. England had possession but struggled to move the ball quickly enough.

Jude Bellingham, playing as one of two advanced midfielders, was fortunate to stay on the pitch after a reckless second-half challenge.

He had already been booked for a first-half stamp, and his full-blooded slide tackle into Raivis Jurkovskis could have seen him dismissed.

Tuchel’s experiment with Morgan Rogers worked. The 21-year-old was given his full debut in one of the attacking midfield roles, and he showed glimpses of quality.

He linked well with Kane and Declan Rice in the build-up to England’s second goal, which the captain finished at the far post.

England created enough chances to win by a bigger margin. Bellingham and Ezri Konsa both spurned opportunities before half-time.

Marcus Rashford was lively but lacked end product, while Jarrod Bowen should have had a penalty when the goalkeeper clattered into him.

James was one of the main talking points after the game. The Chelsea right-back was a surprise inclusion in Tuchel’s first squad. His former club manager had no doubts about his ability.“There cannot be any doubt about Reece’s quality – it’s the highest level,” Tuchel said.

“When we called him up, he hadn’t played much, but it wasn’t due to injury. They were managing him. He looks sharp and in shape.”

England’s primary concern is how helpful these games are in preparing for more challenging tests.

Latvia sat deep for most of the game, forcing England to play through a crowded defence. That will not be the case against elite sides next summer.

Tuchel is still figuring out his midfield. Rice and Bellingham were the deeper pair, but Myles Lewis-Skelly frequently dropped in. Bellingham rotated with Rogers.

It created movement, but whether it will work against stronger opposition remains to be seen.

Latvia could not stop England from eventually breaking through. Fatigue set in, spaces opened up, and Rice was able to charge forward to set up Kane.

Eze’s late goal was a fortunate deflection, but England were in control by then.

The performance lacked excitement, but Tuchel will take the win. He is still searching for answers, but England are doing what is expected of them.