Thomas Tuchel has criticised the atmosphere at Wembley Stadium after England's 3-0 friendly win over Wales, describing the crowd as 'silent' for long periods. The German manager, who took charge of his first home match, said the team deserved more support from the fans.
Tuchel praised his side's first-half performance, noting they could have scored four or five goals. However, he expressed disappointment that the stadium fell quiet after the third goal, allowing Wales fans to dominate the noise. 'We never got any energy back from the fans,' he said.
The criticism has been met with mixed reactions. While many acknowledge that Wembley's atmosphere for friendlies and qualifiers is often poor, the solution is not straightforward. Factors include a high proportion of families, the Mexican wave, and a small section of hardened regulars focused on loyalty caps for overseas trips.
Some have called for England games to be moved around the country more often. However, recent fixtures at venues such as the Riverside, Old Trafford, and St James' Park have not produced significantly better atmospheres. The occasion, rather than the location, appears to be the key factor.
Wembley can generate a brilliant atmosphere for high-stakes matches, such as the Euro 2020 last-16 win over Germany. But a routine friendly against a weaker opponent, with England leading comfortably early on, rarely inspires the same fervour. Additionally, many fans leave early to avoid congestion on Wembley Way.
Tuchel may have been better served focusing on his players' performance, but his comments highlight a long-standing issue. If he can end England's 60-year wait for a major trophy next summer, the atmosphere will likely take care of itself.
