What we learned from Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge of England as Three Lions see off Albania | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel saw his England side comfortably get the better of Albania in a 2-0 win to open their account in Group K of the European World Cup qualifiers.

A debut goal for Myles Lewis-Skelly and second-half strike from Harry Kane secured victory. Here’s what we learned from Tuchel’s first game…

Lewis-Skelly impresses on debut

The Arsenal youngster has gone from strength-to-strength this season, and an England goal 20 minutes into his debut seems only fitting for the campaign he has had.

Goal aside, he looked as assured as he has done in an Arsenal shirt all term. With Luke Shaw a constant fitness concern, Ben Chilwell out of the running, at least for the time being, and Lewis Hall injured, Lewis-Skelly has a very real chance of positioning himself as the out-and-out prime candidate to start at left-back at the World Cup next summer.

Is Jude Bellingham the most important player on this England team?

With Harry Kane’s increasing age and Phil Foden still unable to impose himself in international football, Jude Bellingham is emerging as the leader of this England side.

The Real Madrid man sees all of the play run through him, and his ability to run at defences and beat players is a huge asset. He seems to be relishing the responsibility too. But then, having played for Real Madrid and their superstar talent it should not be a surprise.

Will Phil Foden be able to keep his place in the side?

Foden has struggled to make an impact in this England side for over 18 months. During the Euros last year there were loud calls all throughout the tournament for him to be dropped due to his lack of contribution, though he managed to retain his place.

But again today he struggled to get involved, and Thomas Tuchel will have a real choice to make when Bukayo Saka is back fit.

England’s best front three is arguably Saka, Kane and Rashford, whilst the best midfield is Rice, Bellingham plus one other. It looks increasing difficult to find a place for Foden, and that is without questioning whether he even deserves to be in the starting XI.

Tuchel experimental in the early stages of his new role

Whether or not you agree with his starting XI, or even his general squad, you cannot argue the fact that Tuchel has been brave with his choices so far.

Giving Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa and Curtis Jones a place in his first starting XI is proof of that. Whether any of said players will be starting in America next year is another question.

The German has a large pool of talent to select from, and given his initial decisions, he will keep experimenting until he finds his best eleven, and use these qualifiers as a way of finding out more about his players and what works best.

England employed a different style of play to under Southgate

Obviously, with a new manager comes a new style. The Three Lions were not afraid to go direct, with balls played up the pitch from defence and deep more often than previously. Harry Kane was allowed the chance to drop deep and play in his favoured role and played some superb passes.

England moved the ball quicker and played side to side, looking to isolate a winger against his full-back. Tuchel has always been experimental with his tactics and caters specifically for the opponent he is up against.

It was not the perfect performance by any means but there were clear signs of the changes he is trying to make.