The China Mail - England's Nations League surge helps heal World Cup wounds

Harry Kane scored twice at Wembley on Tuesday, on the night he matched Peter Shilton's men's appearance record of 125 caps, as England beat the Czech Republic 3-0 -- taking their tally to 14 goals in four matches.

Tuchel came into the extended international window desperately needing to change the narrative after stinging criticism over his ultra-defensive approach in the World Cup semi-final loss against Argentina.

England's late collapse in a 2-1 defeat against Lionel Messi's men in Atlanta meant their wait for a major trophy ticked past 60 years.

The first match in the 2026/27 Nations League for England, late last month, was against world champions Spain and, despite a 3-2 defeat, there were encouraging signs.

But for an uncharacteristic Kane miss from the penalty spot when England were 2-1 ahead, Luis de la Fuente's side may well have suffered a first competitive defeat in more than three years.

Tuchel has been adamant that England were not starting from scratch after the World Cup, stressing they were building on strong foundations.

"There was a bit of criticism and scepticism around, (but) I said we don't start new," the German boss said after the win against the Czechs.

"We played some high-level competitive football in the World Cup. Now we move to the next step."

Kane and Jude Bellingham carried England to the final four in North America, papering over a string of unconvincing team performances.

The star duo have led from the front again in the Nations League, but have been complemented by wingers Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka, both of whom have been in sparkling form.

Gordon's substitution after he scored the opening goal against Argentina and Tuchel's decision not to use Saka at all off the bench in the World Cup semi-final now look even more questionable.

The England boss is unlikely to make the same mistake again, with his fearsome front four now looking untouchable as he builds towards the 2028 Euros, hosted by the UK and Ireland.

England have reached the final of the past two European Championships but remain without a major tournament win since 1966, when they won the World Cup on home soil.

- Hot-shot Kane -

Time is a factor for Kane, who will turn 35 shortly after the conclusion of Euro 2028.

The Bayern Munich striker took his tally of international goals to 91 against the Czechs but played down personal milestones.

"I made it clear from earlier in my England career that to win a trophy with England would be the biggest honour of my career and any of our careers," said Kane.

"It's been too long since we've won it. I think the fact that we've been extremely close over this recent period has made it even more of a target and made us want to taste it even more."

Tuchel's options across the pitch look healthier even than just a few months ago.

Declan Rice's withdrawal from the camp for the September and October games allowed club teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bournemouth's Alex Scott the chance to shine in midfield.

Jordan Pickford finally has competition for the goalkeeper's spot after Tuchel handed James Trafford the gloves for the opening two matches against Spain and the Czech Republic.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made an impressive return at right-back after his World Cup omission while Lewis Hall, another player not picked for the tournament, has excelled at left-back, rekindling his relationship with former Newcastle teammate Gordon.

A place in the Nations League quarter-finals in March is already practically assured but a trip to Spain next month will be a true test of whether England have turned a corner.

The Three Lions have won just six of their past 16 matches against opponents ranked in FIFA's top 10, leading to accusations they can be flat-track bullies.

Tuchel knows he must change the script if he is to take the next step in England's quest for glory.

Q.Moore--ThChM