Thomas Tuchel has singled out England captain Harry Kane for praise following the 2-0 win over Serbia in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.
Kane started the match at Wembley and was handed a rest in the 65th minute, as Tuchel replaced him with Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
In his post-match press conference, Tuchel was quizzed if Foden could challenge Kane to start ‘important games’ for England going forward.
Tuchel admitted that it was a ‘big ask’ for Foden given that Kane is ‘out of control’ and ‘out of this world’ in several key areas
‘It’s a big ask for [Phil Foden] to challenge Harry [Kane] at the moment,’ Tuchel said.
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‘[Kane is] in the shape of his life. His attitude, work rate, quality and finishing ratio is just out of control [and] out of this world.’
Kane has been in incredible form at club level for Bayern Munich this season, conjuring up 23 goals and three assists across 17 matches.
Metro at the Match: Three Lions ease to victory
Analysis from Metro‘s Ben Fleming at Wembley as England maintain their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying with a win over Serbia.
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Rashford fails to take opportunity in Gordon’s absence
A hip injury to Anthony Gordon afforded Marcus Rashford a chance to play from the start, but the Barcelona loanee largely failed to demonstrate why he should replace the Newcastle winger as Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice on the left wing.
The 28-year-old saw plenty of the ball but was poor in his decision-making and wasteful with his finishing before being withdrawn shortly after the hour mark for Eberechi Eze.
Rice and Anderson cement partnership as Wharton watches on
Elliot Anderson was not fully fit coming into this camp, but it shows his importance to this England side that Declan Rice was brought off before the Nottingham Forest midfielder in the second half.
Anderson and Rice’s relationship continues to go from strength to strength in the middle of the park, which will be of little consolation to Adam Wharton, who was only afforded a brief cameo on his return to the England set-up.
Tuchel explains why Rogers started over Bellingham
Meanwhile, in an interview with the BBC, Tuchel has explained why Morgan Rogers started over Jude Bellingham against Serbia.
‘It is normal,’ Tuchel said. ‘They compete at the moment for the same position and they’re still friends.
‘They are very respectful with each other and like each other. Morgan deserved to stay on the pitch because he had three fantastic performances with him and second of all we didn’t know what was coming, if our plan was right with the high press.
‘It would be unfair for Jude to try figure everything out because we changed our way of pressing in the last two camps.
‘Declan [Rice], Morgan [Ropers] and Harry [Kane] did it already in three-four matches together.
‘I figured they could adapt a bit quicker. Once we see the formation we can give clear instructions to Phil and Jude and bring them from the bench.’
Tuchel praises England defenders
Speaking more generally about England’s win over Serbia, Tuchel added: ‘It was difficult – sometimes a bit too open, sometimes we had to defend with everything we had.
‘Compliments to the back four. They had to work hard and be focused all the time.
‘Serbia has individual qualities and is also a physical team. They came with a new energy, so well done.’