AFTER a practically flawless start to life as England manager, Thomas Tuchel has gained the confidence of fans, pundits and his players.
But which players stood out in the opening two games of the World Cup qualifiers, and who should we look out for?
- Harry Kane
England’s all time top scorer may seem like an obvious pick, but the seasoned striker has played under Tuchel at Bayern Munich, so is familiar with his system and style of play, and that was clear to see with the positions he was picking up.
Whilst it’s hard to keep Kane out of the goals regardless of who the manager is, scoring in both qualifiers is a good sign that he has no intention of slowing down, which can be backed up by his terrific goal scoring form over in Germany, amounting 21 goals in 24 matches.
2. Reece James
Chelsea’s captain has been in and out of injury over the last few years, but finally seems to be getting back to his best.
After an impressive return from injury, his old boss decided it was time to call him back to represent the Three Lions, and what a great decision that was.
James only came on in added time against Albania, but started against Latvia, scoring an absolute gem of a free kick and earning a Man of the Match award.
James saw his best spell of form under Tuchel at Chelsea, when he was fit, and its clear for all to see he looks the same player for England as well – a very exciting prospect seeing him back to his best.
3. Ezri Konsa
The Aston Villa centre-back was started in both games by Tuchel, showing he clearly trusts him in defence.
He put in two great performances and looked solid throughout, and was denied a certain goal, if not for the heroics of Latvian goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris.
The Villa man has been quietly solid throughout this season and his call up was more than deserved, and it will for sure not be the last time we see him in an England shirt.
4. Ebereche Eze
The creative Crystal Palace attacker has been the main outlet of creativity for his side in South London, and his ability was picked up on by Tuchel, who loves playing with attacking midfielders, who can also work out wide, which is exactly what Eze can do.
His goal at the end of the game against Latvia was just a glimpse of what he is capable of, an elite dribbler who loves running at defenders.
Certainly one to keep an eye on.
5. Myles Lewis-Skelly
One of two players to make their England debut under Tuchel, Myles Lewis-Skelly is in the middle of his break out season under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, popping up in big games such as the win against Manchester City, where he scored an excellent goal, paired with a celebration that stole the headlines, when he imitated the meditation celebration, made popular by city’s Erling Haaland.
Lewis-Skelly has been merging into midfield from left back, something typical of Tuchel’s style of play.
He managed to score the opener against Albania to get a goal on debut, which was well received by all.
At only 18 years old, it’s fair to say we have not seen the last of him, and he could be the answer to the issues England have been having at left back since Luke Shaw has been unable to escape injury.
