LONDON -- Thomas Tuchel has said competition for places has never been stronger in his time as England manager after Tuesday's 3-0 win over Czechia at Wembley.
Harry Kane scored twice either side of halftime to move to a record-extending 91 goals on a night when he equalled Peter Shilton's all-time appearance record of 125 caps for England.
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The 33-year-old's brace came after Vladimir Coufal's 27th-minute own goal and caps a third consecutive win which all but seals their place in next March's Nations League quarterfinals.
Only 15 of the 26-man squad were present in this latest camp for various reasons -- including the withdrawals of Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice through injury or load management.
But others have stepped up, including Lewis Hall on only his fifth and sixth appearances, Alex Scott impressing in the 7-0 thrashing of Croatia, competitive debuts for James Trafford and Rio Ngumoha while Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his quality in two appearances after being overlooked for the World Cup.
Asked if this was the best competition he had known within his squad, Tuchel said: "Yes, maybe yes. Full credit to the players -- this is how it should be.
"I think we've got some more options and it is important after a big tournament and building something for of course the bigger picture -- the Euros -- but still worshipping the competition in which we play now because we want to complete the full cycle.
"We started very ambitious in this competition so that's the balance that we have to get right and after a big tournament, it is always important to move forward and bring in fresh players, fresh blood and force new competition.
"That's what we have now. It is always about the players in camp. The players made a very special camp again and the competition is on."
England captain Kane was given a standing ovation after being taken off in the 81st minute and Tuchel said: "He delivers all the time. It's of course special that he did it today when he equals the record with Peter Shilton. If it needed any proof, it doesn't of course, he shows it again and again. He has again a very good performance.
"He played all four matches for us, he was eager to play and start all four matches. Top captain and hopefully next camp he gets the next two caps.
"I don't know about the best but he is a legend of the English game and hopefully he stays fit and gets the record for himself. He will inspire loads and loads of young people to play football and encourage people to have a career like him and try their luck.
"He's a fantastic role model and he deserves the praise."
