England 3-0 Latvia
England 2-0 Albania
Former Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel has made a positive start as England manager with two routine wins at Wembley... the last helped by one of the finest free kicks seen in the national stadium for years.
Blues defender Reece James stepped up to deliver a curling, dipping humdinger seven minutes before the break on Monday night, to break the deadlock and ease the tension as England faced a Latvian side determined to block attacks in numbers in the second World Cup qualifier in four days.
It followed a fairly humdrum 2-0 victory against Albania on Friday night, in which on-loan Chelsea striker Armando Broja came on as a second-half sub for the raucously supported red-and-blacks, and instantly outflanked England's lofty debutant Dan Burn to pose an increased threat.
Blues defender Levi Colwill was an unused sub in both matches, while James – missing from action as he rehabilitated after injury in the latter part of Gareth Southgate's managerial reign – underscored his value to the national side with a solid performance against Latvia.
Ice-cool free kick
Playing at right back alongside his former Chelsea colleague Marc Guehi of Palace (the intriguing sight of two London club captains next to each other), James supplied several promising crosses to Harry Kane before the chance came to take a free kick in the 38th minute on the edge of the Latvia box. The ball rose over the defensive wall, then dipped in a delightful spiralling curve to snugly fit into the most inaccessible corner of the goal, at the apex of post and crossbar.
Keeper Krisjanis Zviedris was powerless to move, judging that the kick would sail well past his upright.
James was mobbed by his teammates after scoring, while the Blues captain remained ice-cool.
The 25-year-old was a key part of Tuchel's Champions League-winning Chelsea side in 2021, and it's clear Tuchel wants him as a leader on the pitch in the World Cup next year.
His physical presence (a trait mirrored in his sister Lauren's powerful displays for Chelsea Women) intimidates opponents, and all he now has to do is maintain his fitness and steer clear of any further injuries.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
