Thomas Tuchel said it was sad that England did not receive more support from the Wembley crowd during their emphatic 3-0 friendly win against Wales on Thursday night.
The head coach was pleased to see his side maintain their good form, goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka inside the first 20 minutes ending the game as a contest, but he was not happy with the atmosphere at the national stadium.
“We had one and a half training days to prepare against a well-trained team and we did very well,” Tuchel said. “We could have been 5-0 up at half-time. We couldn’t score the fourth and fifth ones. The stadium was silent. We didn’t get any energy back from the stands. We did everything to win.
“What more can you give in 20 minutes? We didn’t let them escape. If you hear just Wales fans for half an hour, it’s sad because the team deserved more support today.
“I stand by this statement. We cannot do more than being 3-0 in a derby. I would have wished for a bit more support in phases where it gets difficult.
“In the second half to get behind us, there was a bit too much support for Wales. It could have helped us to regain energy, but it is what it is and that is it.”
Away from risking a fight with supporters, Tuchel has also caused a stir by omitting Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from his squad. But the decision was justified by Rogers impressing again in the No 10 position and scoring his first international goal. “He is what he is,” Tuchel said. “He is a No 10 and he is competing for his place.”
Craig Bellamy hopes that Wales, who host Belgium in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Monday, learn from their awful first-half display.
“This is why I wanted this game,” the manager said. “I need to see where we are. Where do we want to go? Who do we want to be? Today fills me with motivation.”
Watkins was withdrawn at half-time after colliding with a post and will be a doubt when England play Latvia in Riga in a qualifier on Tuesday.
