Thomas Tuchel has secured another victory at the World Cup after FIFA responded to his complaint following England's 4-2 win against Croatia. The Three Lions boss was unable to watch his players sing the national anthem in Dallas on Wednesday due to a row of photographers blocking his view.
Tuchel's Frustration
The German coach urged FIFA to reposition the photographers for future matches. "I am begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers during the national anthem because I could not see my team," Tuchel said after the match. "I was waiting for this moment. It was a very special moment, and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a metre away, and I could not see a single player."
He added that it "ruined a little bit my experience" and described the anthem as an emotional occasion he had dreamed of since starting his coaching career.
FIFA's Swift Response
Less than 24 hours after Tuchel's comments, FIFA altered the pre-match protocol. Photographers will now be grouped closer to the halfway line, giving coaches an unobstructed view of their players. Tuchel had earlier told the photographers at AT&T Stadium: "You're very close, I cannot see anything."
Unable to see from the dugout, Tuchel linked arms with his coaching staff for a rendition of God Save the King and had to watch the players on the big screen. Despite not singing the anthem himself, he hasn't ruled it out in the future. "I think we are not there yet," the 52-year-old said. "At the very end maybe. I am still a bit shy. I don't want to offend people."
England's Strong Start
England's performance against Croatia was impressive, with goals from Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, and a double from Harry Kane securing all three points. The victory puts England in a strong position in Group L as they aim for the final.
