Thomas Tuchel talked about decisions he made with his England eleven after a 3-2 loss to Spain.
The Three Lions coughed up another lead against a top team: having cancelled out a 2nd minute Lamine Yamal strike with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal came off the bench to bring home all three points for the visitors at Wembley Stadium.
‘We needed Jarell’s speed’
Tuchel’s selections always have the potential to spark conversation — especially if England lose.
One notable exclusion from the lineup was again Trent Alexander-Arnold. In the absence of Reece James and Djed Spence, the manager made the choice that Jarell Quansah should fill in as a right back instead of Real Madrid defender and former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It was in this position that Quansah received a red card against Mexico in the Round of 16 in the World Cup, but Tuchel stood by his willingness to pick the player for tactical reasons on the day.
“We needed Jarell’s speed and ability to think as a central defender. He was top class at the World Cup, he was top class in training this week, he was excellent in this game.”
‘I think midfield suits him a bit better than left-back’
There was also praise for Myles Lewis-Skelly, who missed out on a role in the squad for the summer tournament. His excellent contributions from midfield in May might have come too late to book a spot on the plane, but his work for the Gunners gave Tuchel the belief he could be trusted in this scenario.
“That’s why Myles made an impression in club football for Arsenal and now through the week. That’s why he got his start. No presents here for no one, also not on his birthday.
“He did very well for Arsenal in this position [as a midfielder.] I think it suits him a bit better than left-back. He was just very good and had a good match yesterday, so well done. Did everything that was needed. Good performance.”
