Thomas Tuchel has issued a warning to England players that they can expect open and honest assessments of their performance, even if it involves public criticism.
Following England's victory over Albania on Friday night, Tuchel shared his thoughts on the performance of Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, stating that he had expected more from the duo.
Despite some perceiving this as a public rebuke, Tuchel expressed his surprise at this reaction and insisted that his comments were merely a reflection of his honest analysis of the team's performance.
Tuchel clarified: "I just give my analysis of the team. Sometimes I am surprised with what people try to make out of it, that Marcus and Phil should be offended with what I said. I don't see it. It's like you say."
He maintained that his public statements were merely an extension of his internal conversations, and that the players had already been aware of his concerns. "Everything I say outside is already said normally, 99 per cent, inside. There is no message that I give through you or no message that they have to live with that I was not there and didn't say to them directly."
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Tuchel offered further insight into the specific challenges faced by Foden, suggesting that a combination of factors limited his impact, including Curtis Jones's defensive duties: "They know very well they didn't have the impact that they expect from themselves. It was not only because they didn't play as good as they can."
Tuchel acknowledged the efforts of Rashford and Bellingham but emphasised their lack of impact in a recent match: "Marcus put a lot of effort in and created some dangerous moments together with Jude, so I think the important word you used is 'mild.'
"They didn't have the impact that we wish, it's clear if you look at the statistics of shots from them or chances created. They can do more."
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However, Tuchel also noted the importance of perspective when assessing player performances: "But it doesn't have to happen every match. With the criticising of players we to to be honest, but nothing I say in public is normally something they haven't heard from me before."
Furthermore, Tuchel issued a stern reminder about maintaining high "standards" within the team ahead of their upcoming match against Latvia.
Making his expectations clear, Tuchel plans to address the entire squad, reinforcing that their performance standards must remain high against every opponent, regardless of ranking, saying: "I will tell this also to the players before lunch: with all respect this is not now just to get a win over Latvia no matter how."
Tuchel was adamant that England's approach should be consistent, demanding excellence from his players irrespective of the opposition's reputation: "This is about our standards. How do we win, how do we play and how do we impose ourselves and deserve a win against Latvia? It's to raise the standards."