Thomas Tuchel had 15 minutes to change the course of England's World Cup campaign. At half-time in Dallas, his side had led twice but were pegged back to 2-2 by a determined Croatia. The manager's message was simple: stop protecting the result and play fearlessly.
"Even if we lose, it will not change my perception of the last 17 days, but let's do it our way," Tuchel told ITV, recounting his speech. "We were too focused on protecting the result. We were a back seven and we didn't defend."
“Tuchel's defiant half-time speech — 'show the world what we can be' — sparks England's 4-2 comeback win over Croatia.”
Harry Kane, who had already equalled Gary Lineker's record for most World Cup goals by an England player with a penalty and a header from Declan Rice's corner, revealed the essence of Tuchel's words. "He told us to take the shackles off, calm down and let's go. He said what's the worst that can happen? Show the world who we can be," Kane said after the 4-2 victory.
The captain added that the team responded by going "full gas" in the second half, overwhelming the Croatians. Jude Bellingham re-established the lead, and substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the win late on. "It wasn't one of those where it was a big drama or standing up and shouting; it was what the team needed," Bellingham said.
The first half had been a different story. Tuchel's assistant Anthony Barry described the display as "fearful" and "confused", with players making poor decisions under nervous energy. Kane admitted the team dropped off and were disappointed with the goals conceded.
Tuchel later raised a separate grievance: photographers blocking his view of the national anthem. "I'm begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem," he said, frustrated at being unable to watch his players sing God Save the King.
There was also concern when Rice was taken off as a precaution in the second half. Tuchel said the Arsenal midfielder felt discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring. "I hope it's nothing more," the manager added. "Declan just reassured me at the end. 'It's good, it's good.'"
England's second-half performance, which Kane said was "at our best level", offered hope that Tuchel's message has landed as the tournament progresses.