The players of England know that the non-inspiring 1-0 victory on Saturday at Andorra was not good enough, but winger Noni Madueke is sure that they will improve under Thomas Tuchel.
Harry Kane's 50th minute strike 450th goal in all competitions for Club and Land-Bleek decided when England made it three victories of three in their 2026 world cup qualifications.
However, England was far from their best ranked against opponents in the 173rd in the world, whose some competitive victories have come to San Marino and Liechtenstein since 2019.
The three lions have now won five straight matches without giving in for the first time since 1982, while Tuchel is the first manager of England to win his first three games without giving a goal.
Chelsea wing player Madueke, who helped Kane's close-range finish, knows that more is expected, but believes that the early matches of Tuchel have delivered a basis for the future.
“We have not lost yet, we have not admitted yet. There are grounds for optimism,” Madueke told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Today it was not as everyone had hoped in terms of the score, but we won the game. My job is to create and score goals. I could make one today, so I'm happy.
“We are not stupid, we know that the score is not the one we wanted. I thought there were good parts of the implementation. It is not all downfall and gloom. There are positives to take.”
The English player of tonight connected by @Ee: @nonimadueke_! pic.twitter.com/stwffn6BMP
– England (@england) 7 June 2025
Asked about the requirements of Tuchel, Madueke added: “He is very intense. Very clear with what he wants.
“He has high standards. He does not allow anyone to fall under them. That is the kind of coach that will benefit England.”
England had 20 shots and hit the target with 10 of them, while Andorra only succeeded in it and did not hit the goal.
The Three Lions also won the expected goals (XG) battle with 3.35 to 0.3, of which Tuchel noticed when he described the competition as a learning experience.
“The last half hour I didn't like at all. Everything is a learning,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “We are smarter than before and we will talk honestly and immediately and try to do better.
“I am surprised because we started well. We created an XG of three and sub -pooped with one. It simply shows that we were not precise enough and had a lack of quality in the finish.
“It is our second camp, and we can do it much better. That includes me. It always costs two to Tango and we have to do better on Tuesday.
“There are no apologies. There was a lack of aggressive in duels and then it will be like what we saw, and it didn't have the quality we wanted. There is much to do.”
We appreciate the support you give us.
Thank you, #threelions -fans! pic.twitter.com/zrmwlv2pzw
– England (@england) 7 June 2025
England is back in action on Tuesday when they are confronted with Senegal in a friendly in the city.