Thomas Tuchel spoke with Jordan Pickford during the hydration break as England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign against Croatia. Despite the 4-2 victory, tensions flared between the manager and the Everton goalkeeper.
First-Half Drama
Harry Kane scored twice in the first half, but Croatia equalized twice. Just before the 20-minute mark, with England leading 1-0, Tuchel and Pickford exchanged words after the goalkeeper failed to follow instructions. Pitchside reporter Geoff Shreeves revealed: "Jordan Pickford was on his left side and off balance and still picked up. Thomas Tuchel was straight out to the touchline and said 'No, put it out to the right back, you don't go that side.' Pickford had a little go back and Tuchel was not impressed. He told him: 'You know what you're supposed to do, do as I told you.'"
Second-Half Response
Second-half strikes from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured three points for Tuchel's side in their Group L opener. Assistant boss Anthony Barry admitted a "nervous" start, saying: "A complicated and confusing first half from us. A lot of nervous energy... Fearful patterns. No threaded passes to accelerate game."
Captain Harry Kane revealed Tuchel's halftime message: "The manager gave a great speech... He told us to let the shackles off, calm down. What are we scared of? Let's just go... I think we did exactly that in the second half."
