Featured Image Credit: Beanyman Sports
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Thomas Tuchel, England
Ryan Smart
Thomas Tuchel snapped back at a question about Marcus Rashford after England's 3-0 win over Latvia.
The Three Lions made it two wins in the space of three days at Wembley after defeating Albania 2-0 on Friday evening.
Rashford was one of the few players to start both games, and created eight chances against Latvia - more than any other player on the pitch.
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The 27-year-old has been rejuvenated since joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United in January, providing four assists in his eight appearances in all competitions.
Tuchel stated after the win over Albania that he would talk to Rashford and opposite winger Phil Foden over how they can better contribute to his system in attack, adding: "We can see in the numbers how much effort they put into defending high and the counter-press. Also in their sprinting numbers, Marcus had a lot of runs when we had the ball where we did not see him or use him."
The German was again asked about Rashford after England's win over Latvia - and his response spoke volumes.
When he was quoted as saying that he 'did not like' how his wingers played against Albania, and whether Rashford and Jarrod Bowen were more impressive against Latvia, Tuchel said: "No, I did not say that I didn't like how they played. I said they can have more impact than they had.
"I never said that they didn't try, and I never said that I didn't like.
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"I think Marcus again showed today, especially in the first half, the desire and the hunger to go again, and again, and again.
"He was not shy to take the dribbling, he was more aggressive in his movements. Not everything fell into place, but the most important thing was that he showed his hunger, his desire and the confidence in his abilities."