England began their 2026 World Cup campaign with an entertaining victory over Croatia on Wednesday night.
The Three Lions eventually secured a 4-2 win at the Dallas Stadium in Texas after overcoming a difficult first-half display.
Harry Kane gave England the lead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute.
However, Croatia responded strongly and levelled through Martin Baturina before Kane restored England’s advantage. England failed to maintain control of the game before the break.
Petar Musa struck an equaliser shortly before half-time and left Thomas Tuchel‘s coaching staff frustrated as the teams headed into the dressing rooms level at 2-2. Whatever England discussed during the interval produced the desired response.
Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford both scored in the second half as England pulled away from Croatia and secured all three points.
However, Tuchel’s main frustration after the match had little to do with his team’s performance.
Speaking to speaking after the game, the England manager called on FIFA to change the positioning of photographers during the national anthems. Tuchel said (quotes via The BBC):
“I have to tell you something. I’m begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem, because I could not see my team.
“It is very emotional. Listen, when I was young, and even when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of, to have this kind of a career.
“I felt the spirit, and what it means to be part of a World Cup. It’s just amazing, and I felt very, very alive the last two days. I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world than here.”
Tuchel has not sung God Save The King since becoming England manager in January 2025. He previously said that he must earn the right to sing the national anthem.
However, the England boss has hinted that he could finally join in if England reach the World Cup final on July 19.
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