England’s momentum keeps building
Tuchel’s decision to stick with the core of his September squad paid off handsomely. Determined to maintain the momentum built during their emphatic win over Serbia, the England boss resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes.
That meant key creative names like Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Adam Wharton were once again left out, as Tuchel instead focused on stability and cohesion. Only two new faces came into the group – Jarell Quansah and Saka – both replacing injured players Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento.
The reward for that continuity was clear as England tore into Wales with three goals inside the first 20 minutes. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring early on, before Ollie Watkins doubled the advantage and Saka completed the blistering spell with a stunning strike.
Tuchel’s men were dominant from start to finish, controlling possession, pressing relentlessly, and displaying the chemistry of a side growing in confidence. With one more game left in this international break – a trip to Latvia on Tuesday – the Germany-born coach will feel validated in his decision to keep faith with a settled squad.