Test match at Wembley
Without Kane: Tuchel is happy about a clear victory
October 9, 2025 – 10:53 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Thomas Tuchel is on the rise with England. The next confident success comes in a friendly against Wales. Even without his two top stars.
England’s national team is getting better and better under coach Thomas Tuchel. Despite the absences of captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham, who was not nominated, the “Three Lions” won a friendly against Wales 3-0 (3-0) at Wembley Stadium in London on Thursday evening.
After just over two minutes, Morgan Rogers gave the hosts the lead with his first international goal. Ollie Watkins (11th) and Bukayo Saka (19th) increased the score to 3-0 before the 20th minute. England took it easy in the second half, Wales had a few chances but failed to score.
Tuchel chose not to include stars from top English clubs Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea in the line-up – a first since 1992. The absence of the recovered Bellingham in particular facilitated a discussion in advance.
Harry Kane had to pass injured. The FC Bayern Munich striker suffered a blow to his right ankle in the Bundesliga game against Eintracht Frankfurt. However, he is expected to be back in action for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Latvia.
England can qualify early for the 2026 World Cup with another win there. The Tuchel team has won all five games in Group K so far. Wales will face Belgium in parallel group J on Monday and also still have a chance of securing a World Cup ticket.