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 yard despite crunching into 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 straight away the decision to not take the risk and take him off,” said the German tactician.

Leading through Reece James’ superb first-half 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.

Facing an unheralded Latvia team 136 places below them in Fifa’s world rankings, Tuchel acknowledged England were far from convincing again after a lacklustre 2-0 win against Albania in his debut on March 21.

“It was not an easy match. We saw a lot of good things, created good chances. We needed a free-kick to unlock it. I’m happy with the attitude, energy and desire. We will get there,” Tuchel said.

“The second half we started to slow the game down and made little movement, which makes no sense. But the second goal was better as we showed acceleration from one of our sixes.”

Kane added: “I think there were more patterns of play, more chances than Friday. But again it was tough, playing against 11 behind the ball. Overall we can be pleased with two wins and two clean sheets.”

Favourites England, who are next in action against Andorra in June, top Group K of Europe’s qualifiers on six points. Albania, who beat Andorra 3-0 in the other fixture, and Latvia are on three.

Only the group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Tuchel made four changes to his side for the visit of 140th-ranked Latvia, including his former Chelsea right-back Jam...