England sink Latvia to extend Tuchel’s winning start

AFP | London

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England extended Thomas Tuchel’s 100 percent start to his reign as Reece James’ first international goal inspired a 3-0 win against Latvia in Monday’s World Cup qualifier.

Tuchel’s side once again laboured to break down defensive opposition for long periods at Wembley.

But three days after struggling to beat Albania 2-0 in Tuchel’s first game in charge, England eventually mustered enough composure and quality to kill off 140th-ranked Latvia.

James broke the deadlock with a superb free-kick late in the first half as the Chelsea right-back made an impressive first England start since September 2022.

Hamstring injuries had sidelined James for most of last season, as well as several months in the current campaign.

But James was a key figure when Tuchel’s Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League and the 25-year-old could emerge as a significant weapon if he can stay fit.

England captain Harry Kane put the result beyond doubt in the second half with his 71st international goal, before Eberechi Eze came off the bench to bag his maiden goal for the Three Lions.

Despite their inconsistent start to the Tuchel era, the paucity of their opponents in a weak Group K means England are already well on the way to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Tuchel is the first England boss to win his first two competitive matches since Fabio Capello.

The German now has 75 days to prepare for England’s next qualifier in Andorra on June 7.

Tuchel has yet to deliver on his desire to produce a team that plays with more courage than the “afraid” group that reached the Euro 2024 final under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.

But Tuchel has already shown he isn’t concerned about ruffling the feathers of his superstars.