Tuchel calls for sharper Arsenal duo as England maintain perfect start
originally appeared on The Sporting News

England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side still have "work to do" despite maintaining their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park.

An own goal from Christian Garcia and a second-half header by Declan Rice were enough to secure the points on Saturday night, but Tuchel was not entirely satisfied with the display of two of his Arsenal players, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.

England dominated possession yet struggled to break down the team ranked 174th in the world, and Tuchel said his forwards had lacked clarity at decisive moments.

"Maybe Ebz [Eze] didn’t have his best day in the number 10 position… the last pass from Noni [Madueke] was not clinical enough," Tuchel told ITV.

Eze, who was used centrally, completed just 38 touches and created no clear chances before being replaced in the 78th minute. His best opportunity came midway through the first half but was denied by goalkeeper Iker Alvarez.

Madueke had the greater influence, with his cross forcing Garcia's own goal and three further chances created, but Tuchel highlighted lapses out of possession.

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"Sometimes he loses concentration in the counter-press," said the England head coach.

"But if he pushes himself, he can be a very important player."

"We won the game, clean sheet, two goals, I am happy," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"When you play against 11 players in 30 metres of space, it will be hard for every team."

Who impressed for England against Andorra?

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane argued Eze will be expected to deliver more after his £67.5m summer move to Arsenal, while ex-England defender Lee Dixon praised Madueke's threat from wide areas.

The evening did bring encouragement in the form of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who impressed on his senior debut.

Tuchel suggested the 22-year-old could feature again when England travel to Serbia on Tuesday.

"We should have scored more, four or five goals would have been deserved," Tuchel added.

"But it was a step forward from June."

England remain top of Group K with four wins from four as they continue their push towards the 2026 World Cup.

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