Thomas Tuchel has given the green light for Anthony Barry to continue his brutally honest half-time interviews, despite the assistant coach branding England’s first-half performance against Croatia as “complicated and confusing” live on ITV. Barry, speaking during the World Cup opener in Dallas, described “fearful patterns” and criticised players for not following instructions, saying they were “playing long when we should play short, playing short when we should play long.” The FA regards the interviews as something they are expected to do and has agreed internally that it will never fall on Tuchel or a player, meaning Barry will continue his half-time duties for the foreseeable future.
The 4-2 victory in Dallas created excitement but left Tuchel with questions, particularly in defence. He selected Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa ahead of Manchester City’s Marc Guehi to partner John Stones, and Konsa was caught out of position when Petar Musa scored Croatia’s second equaliser. Former England striker Chris Sutton believes Tuchel should pair Konsa and Guehi, saying: “Why is the debate Guehi for Konsa and not Stones? I’d have Guehi and Konsa because they are the best defenders. I don’t think Stones has the athleticism which the other two possess.” Stones, 32, started only five Premier League games last season before leaving Manchester City.
“Tuchel backs Barry's half-time honesty; defensive dilemmas loom as England face Ghana in World Cup.”
In attack, substitute Marcus Rashford scored England’s final goal after replacing Anthony Gordon. Tuchel must decide whether to stick or twist with his line-up for Tuesday’s match against Ghana in Boston. Rashford’s club future also hangs in the balance: Barcelona’s deadline to trigger a £26m clause to make his loan permanent passed without being activated. He will return to Manchester United on 1 July with a £325,000-a-week contract and two years left. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bring wage costs down, and United have given Rashford’s number 10 shirt to Matheus Cunha. Head coach Michael Carrick said in April: “Whoever’s here, I want to work with them and help them to improve.” However, last week Fifa and Fifpro announced that any player exiled from the main group can demand release and contract pay-up, making it unlikely United will ostracise Rashford again.
For now, England’s focus is on Ghana. Tuchel’s defensive selection and Barry’s uncompromising honesty will be in the spotlight as the campaign moves to Boston.