Five things we learned after England eased to a 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley Stadium. Thomas Tuchel continued his perfect start as England manager, with the Three Lions producing a first-half blitz to earn their win.
Big names face fight to regain roles
Thomas Tuchel made headlines with his squad selection, leaving out Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. Arguably England’s most naturally gifted players, Bellingham’s recent return from shoulder surgery and Foden’s brief flickers of his best in recent weeks saw both omitted from October’s group. Both in September and against Wales, England barely felt their absence.
On Thursday, Morgan Rogers revelled in the central attacking midfield role, pressing intently and scoring his first England goal inside three minutes. The Aston Villa midfielder offers powerful ball-carrying, work rate out of possession and an ability to create chances. Neither Bellingham nor Foden will walk back into the side if selected next month.
Morgan Rogers’ game by numbers vs. Wales:
6 touches in opp. box
3 duels won
3 shots
2 shots on target
2 chances created
1 foul won
1 goalHis first England goal. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/tqoB5lY6kc
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 9, 2025
Saka shows he’s still England’s most reliable wideman
Bukayo Saka was understood to be fortunate to be included this month, with only the absence of Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke freeing room for his selection, after a recent return from his own injury issues.
Madueke caught the eye during September’s break, but Saka showed against Wales that, Harry Kane aside, he remains England’s most trusted attacker. A man-of-the-match performance was capped with a stunning strike into the top corner for England’s third goal, after a display full of trademark attacking intent.
That goal was history for Bukayo Saka! pic.twitter.com/4AdnO2GVCf
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 9, 2025
Saka is one of the few players who rarely looks overwhelmed in an England shirt. It’s now 13 goals and eight assists for the Three Lions for Saka, who only turned 24 last month.
Anderson has edge in midfield battle
Elliot Anderson continued his excellent start to his England career. After back-to-back man-of-the-match performances in September, the Nottingham Forest midfielder was again assured against Wales.
He recovered from an early misplaced pass to thrive again, offering control in the number six position and allowing Declan Rice a licence to get forward.
🏴💥 | 𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐓𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 (𝟐𝟐) vs Wales:
• MOST DRIBBLES (2)
• 96% Pass Accuracy
• 74 Passes Completed
• 4 Touches In Opposition Box
• 4 Passes Into Final Third
• 2/3 Successful Take-Ons
• 2/3 Successful Long Balls
• 6 Ball Recoveries𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐑 ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/WRlpBjBXB9
— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) October 10, 2025
Brilliant ball-winning and ball-use, the shirt is Anderson’s to lose ahead of next summer’s World Cup. While there’s a clamour for the in-form Adam Wharton to be handed his chance, the Crystal Palace youngster faces a tough task to dislodge the impressive Anderson. The latter has earned Tuchel’s trust.
Tuchel picks strange time for fan fight
After a performance that offered England real encouragement ahead of next summer, it appeared an odd time for Thomas Tuchel to pick a fight with his own fans. The often-prickly German was critical of the Wembley atmosphere.
“I think the players delivered a lot to get more from the stands,” Tuchel said, speaking to ITV Sport. “It was difficult to keep everything going in the second half. We did excellent, we deserved to win.”
“What more can you give them? Twenty minutes, three goals. The way we attacked Wales and we didn’t let them escape. If you hear for half an hour [it was] just Wales fans. It’s a bit sad because I think the team deserved big support.”
England fans, in terms of stadium noise at least, have rarely let the side down at major tournaments. It seems strange that Tuchel would taint a feel-good mood with a needless critique.
Rice brings Arsenal deliveries to England
Arsenal have emerged as arguably Europe’s best set-piece side in recent campaigns, with the evolution of Declan Rice as a dead-ball specialist crucial.
Rice brought his repertoire of deliveries to England on Thursday, including for the opening goal. England have leaned on set-pieces in past tournaments and Rice’s delivery could be crucial in tight contests next summer.
Read – England Player Ratings vs Wales: Rogers and Saka Shine in Wembley Win
See more – England vs Wales: Five memorable past matches
