Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment with the atmosphere at Wembley during England's 3-0 friendly victory over Wales on Thursday night, saying the stadium was silent and the team deserved more support. Goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka inside the first 20 minutes effectively ended the contest, but the head coach felt the crowd failed to provide energy.
“The stadium was silent. We didn’t get any energy back from the stands. We did everything to win,” Tuchel said. “If you hear just Wales fans for half an hour, it’s sad because the team deserved more support today.” He added that he stood by his statement and wished for more backing during difficult phases.
Tuchel also defended his decision to omit Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from the squad, noting that Rogers impressed again as a number 10 and scored his first international goal. “He is what he is. He is a No 10 and he is competing for his place,” Tuchel said.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy said he wanted the game to test his side, who face Belgium in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Monday. “This is why I wanted this game. I need to see where we are. Where do we want to go? Who do we want to be? Today fills me with motivation,” he said.
Watkins was withdrawn at half-time after colliding with a post and is a doubt for England's qualifier against Latvia in Riga on Tuesday.
