England fans didn’t hold back as they mocked Thomas Tuchel during the Three Lions’ 5-0 win over Latvia, responding to the manager’s criticism of the “silent” Wembley crowd last week. The supporters turned Riga into a party atmosphere, singing tongue-in-cheek chants aimed directly at the German coach while celebrating World Cup qualification in style.
Fans clap back at Tuchel with chants in Riga
After Thomas Tuchel blasted the lack of noise at Wembley following England’s 3-0 win over Wales, supporters took matters into their own hands during Tuesday’s qualifier in Latvia. As England cruised toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup, fans chanted:
We’ll sing when we want, we’ll sing when we want, Thomas Tuchel, we’ll sing when we want!
Others humorously added, “Are we loud enough for you?” while some broke into a more explicit version, admitting, “Our support is fcking sht!”
Tuchel appeared unfazed, giving a thumbs-up toward the stands as the team continued their domination. England’s traveling fans clearly saw an opportunity to turn the manager’s comments into a moment of levity — and they did so in style.
Tuchel’s criticism sparked reaction
The reaction stems from Tuchel’s post-match comments after the Wales friendly, when he complained that the Wembley atmosphere was too flat despite England’s first-half brilliance. “It was silent,” Tuchel had said. “We never got energy back from the fans, and the players deserved more support.”
While his comments divided opinion, Tuesday’s events showed English fans were ready to fire back — on their own terms. The atmosphere in Riga’s Daugava Stadium was lively throughout, as the traveling supporters celebrated qualification and reminded Tuchel of their unwavering passion.
Kane makes history as England seal qualification
On the pitch, Harry Kane once again stole the spotlight. Returning from an ankle injury, the Bayern Munich striker scored twice — a stunning left-footed finish and a penalty — to become the first player in England’s history to score two or more goals in 13 international matches.
The goals took Kane’s tally to 76 in 113 appearances, reaffirming his place among the game’s all-time greats. Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, and Eberechi Eze also impressed as England wrapped up qualification with ease.
Tuchel’s England hitting stride before 2026
Despite earlier criticism of his squad selections — which excluded Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Jude Bellingham — Tuchel’s England have now scored eight goals in two matches this month without conceding once.
The result cements England’s position as one of Europe’s form teams heading into the 2026 World Cup. With attacking depth from Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, and Eze off the bench, Tuchel’s only real challenge might be choosing who starts in North America next summer.
The fans made their voices heard — literally — and the team delivered. For Tuchel, it was perhaps the perfect response to his Wembley criticism: goals, chants, and a World Cup ticket in hand.
