After Thomas Tuchel’s back-to-back wins in his first camp as England boss Sky Sports’ Peter Smith picks out the players who impressed in the World Cup qualifiers and staked a claim for a big role in his project – and those who have a challenge ahead…
Lewis-Skelly seizes his chance
Myles Lewis-Skelly was without doubt one of the big hits of this international break, taking to the England fold with the same confidence and style as he has the Premier League and Champions League.
From his debut goal against Albania to dictating the play from the middle of the park against Latvia, the 18-year-old has shown his quality and fearlessness. Injured pair Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw, along with Ben Chilwell – a Tuchel favourite at Chelsea – will have aspirations of staking their claim. But Lewis-Skelly has seized the spot for now.
Marcus Rashford underwhelmed on Friday and caught some criticism from Tuchel but his inclusion in the squad for these games was evidence the Three Lions boss is backing him – and his starting role against Latvia underlined it. The forward repaid the faith in that second game.
The signs on Monday were he had listened to the words of his new boss, running at his marker with more intent and creating a game-high six chances. There was no goal to highlight the point – he’s also yet to score for Aston Villa in nine games, despite four assists – but his rejuvenation is evident and seemingly, as with Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson, Tuchel is going to count on his big-game experience in this project.
It’s two and a half years since Reece James last started for England. He marked his return in style, bending a brilliant free-kick into the top corner for his first goal for his country, amid a performance which showcased his quality on the ball. There was a fine sliding tackle later in the game, too.
With Kieran Trippier retired from England duty, Kyle Walker – a starter vs Albania – now 34 and Trent Alexander-Arnold missing this camp with injury, James had a chance to show his former Chelsea boss he can get to his best levels now he is fit again. There was evidence of that here.