Thomas Tuchel was spotted in a heated argument with Jordan Pickford during England’s World Cup opener, sources at the Dallas Stadium confirmed, with the German appearing to shout “Do as I told you!” at his goalkeeper. The dispute erupted just after Harry Kane had put England ahead from a retaken penalty, but it did not disrupt the flow of a thrilling contest that ended 4-2.
Tuchel had made plain before the match that when the stress came, he believed his England team would thrive. The first half suggested otherwise. Croatia, ranked 11th in the world, twice equalised through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa after Kane’s brace – the first a retaken spot-kick, the second a thumping header. England’s defending was “too open and generous”, and the overall sense in open play was one of confusion.
“England beat Croatia 4-2 in World Cup opener after Tuchel-Pickford row, with Kane, Bellingham and Rashford scoring.”
Yet with the heat on, England responded. Jude Bellingham, whom Tuchel started ahead of Morgan Rogers, scored shortly after the restart with a storming run and finish, tilting the contest in England’s favour. Tuchel later told ITV what he said at half-time: “I think I said, ‘Even if we lose, it will not change my perception of the last 17 days, but let’s do it our way. We’re too focussed on protecting... Anyway, what we don’t have at the moment’. I just encouraged them to go for it.”
England created a fistful of chances in the second half, though at 3-2 it remained edgy. Croatia substitute Marco Pasalic almost equalised, Jordan Pickford saving with a smart block – perhaps settling his earlier row with Tuchel. England’s substitutes made an impact: Djed Spence almost scored, then Marcus Rashford did with a clinical finish after a jink inside and low shot, laid on by another replacement, Bukayo Saka.
There are concerns. Both Croatian goals exposed England’s defence, which lacks tournament experience, and Declan Rice limped off after being substituted. But the Three Lions are up and running. Back at Wembley, fans celebrated. Michael Dunhill, 34, said: “We can go all the way this year. It’s amazing.” Paul Adcock, 56, added: “That was amazing. We smashed it. Harry Kane is a hero.”