England Will Get There, Says Tuchel

Another lacklustre win but German boss happy with their attitude, energy and desire

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LONDON - England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted Jude Bellingham was "lucky" to escape a red card as the Three Lions "struggled" to secure a 3-0 win against minnows Latvia on March 24.

Just two days after claiming Bellingham can be "very emotional" and needed to control his mood on the pitch, the Real Madrid star was fortunate not to be sent off in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

After being booked in the first half, Bellingham avoided a second yellow card despite a crude challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis soon after the interval.

England boss Tuchel responded by sending on Phil Foden to replace the 21-year-old midfielder in the 67th minute.

"A bit lucky. We took straightaway the decision to not take the risk and take him off," said the German tactician.

Leading through Reece James' superb free kick in the 38th minute, England were struggling to kill off stubborn Latvia when Bellingham was substituted.

His lack of discipline could have hampered Tuchel's bid for a second successive win to start his reign.

But captain Harry Kane netted a minute after Bellingham's departure, before substitute Eberechi Eze made it 3-0 in the 76th minute.