Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to pick Reece James after the Chelsea star scored in England's 3-0 victory over Latvia at Wembley on Monday night.
The Three Lions went into the showdown looking to improve after battling to a hard-fought victory over Latvia towards the end of last week.
And England were much better against Latvia, with goals from James, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze all on target as they secured all three points.
James' free-kick was the pick of the bunch, with the Chelsea star breaking the deadlock in style.
Thomas Tuchel has revealed four positives after England beat Latvia in Monday night's World Cup qualifying clash
REUTERS
The right-back has been plagued by injury issues in recent years, something that's hampered his development.
The 25-year-old has made just eight appearances in the Premier League with Chelsea but was still named in Tuchel's squad regardless.
Now, the England boss has defended his decision to pick James, insisting the player's quality speaks for itself.
“I know the foot and the quality that the boy has is amazing," he said following the match.
JUST IN:Thomas Tuchel manages England feat Gareth Southgate never did after 3-0 win over Latvia
“He has every right to be proud and happy and satisfied with his performance. He's in excellent shape.
“When we called him up, we knew he had not so many games but we knew it wasn't because of injury.
"They [Chelsea] took care of him and managed him. He looks sharp and looks in shape and about his quality – there can't be any doubt.”
Tuchel also admitted that England had to put in the work to beat Latvia and make it back-to-back wins at the start of his era.
READ MORE:Emma Raducanu left Amanda Anisimova 'humiliated and fuming' after Miami Open thrashing
We're all watching this on repeat, right? 🔁pic.twitter.com/3oa5QboVp1
— England (@England) March 24, 2025
The 51-year-old saw the positives, however, having been left pleased by the result, keeping a clean sheet, his side creating chances and having the right attitude.
“It wasn't an easy match," he continued.
“We had to unlock it. I saw a lot of good things. We have a good result, another clean sheet, we created a lot of chances from set-pieces.
“We needed a free-kick to unlock it but in general, I'm happy with the attitude and the energy and desire to do the stuff that we want and we will get there.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Another player who impressed for England was Morgan Rogers.
The Aston Villa star has flourished for his club and managed to complete the full 90 minutes for his country last night.
When quizzed about the forward, Tuchel said: "I'm happy with him in general.
“He deserved to start because he trained very good and plays very good for Villa.
Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to pick Reece James after the Chelsea star scored in England's 3-0 victory over Latvia at Wembley on Monday night
REUTERS
“I think in a match where we are so dominant, I think it can suit him more to play from the wing.
"Once we put him on the wing, he felt more freedom in the touches, and he can work his way into his dynamic movements.
“There was a little bit more space for him there than the half-space. It's interesting because I learn about the players and I learn about the game and that's good.”
