Thomas Tuchel has called on FIFA to implement an immediate change following England’s 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday night.

The Three Lions began their 2026 World Cup campaign in impressive fashion at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.

Harry Kane gave England the lead in the 12th minute from the penalty spot. Martin Baturina equalised with a stunning strike 10 minutes before half-time before Kane netted his second of the match.

Tuchel’s men were dealt a blow moments before the interval when Petar Musa made it 2-2, much to the frustration of England’s coaching staff.

“A complicated and confusing first half from us, really,” England assistant coach Anthony Barry said during a frank half-time interview with ITV. “I think a lot of nervous energy early on. Maybe that should be accepted, and maybe expected in the opening game of a World Cup.

“From there, then we made some decisions where the energy was not free in our mind, playing long when we should play short, playing short when we should play long, really not playing through the gaps so not allowing us to accelerate our game the way we wanted to.

“Then you think the penalty would free us up, allow us to play more like us, look more like ourselves, but again we fall back into some fearful patterns, and yeah… we’ve always been able to rely on set pieces.

“We get the second goal again. We’re hoping that’s the moment that would allow us to move forward in the game, but okay, we concede the second goal later on, and now we have to speak about that at half-time.”

England Produce Excellent Second-Half Display

Kai Pfaffenbach via Reuters

Whatever Tuchel and his coaching staff said during the break clearly had the desired effect. England were the superior side in the second half and won the game thanks to excellent goals from Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford.

“I thought it was a game of two halves. In the first half, we were OK,” Harry Kane told ITV after the match. “[We were] really disappointed to concede in the way we did. I thought we dropped off.

“We went full gas and they couldn’t live with it. Credit to everyone for the first game of the tournament.”

Tuchel Calls on FIFA to Implement Change

Kai Pfaffenbach via Reuters

While Tuchel was pleased with his side’s second-half display, he was far less happy with a pre-match incident involving the photographers.

The German tactician said his experience was “ruined a little bit” by a wall of photographers who obstructed his view of the national anthems and has called on world football’s governing body to sort the situation out for next time.

“I have to tell you something. I’m begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem, because I could not see my team,” Tuchel was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

The England boss added: “It is very emotional. Listen, when I was young, and even when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of, to have this kind of a career.

“I felt the spirit, and what it means to be part of a World Cup. It’s just amazing, and I felt very, very alive the last two days. I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world than here.”

Tuchel has not sung God Save The King – England’s national anthem – since he was appointed England manager in January 2025.

He initially said that he must “earn the right” to sing it, but has hinted that he will do so if England reach the 2026 World Cup final on July 19.

Tottenham face the prospect of losing a promising player this summer, as reports claim that he is now pushing to leave the club in the transfer window.

It comes as the hierarchy at Spurs are overseeing an important transfer window for the club, as they look to get the club back where they belong at the very top of the Premier League once more.

Incomings have been on the agenda so far, with two signings already completed, while a fee has been agreed with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke to make him the third arrival.

Talks are ongoing to sign Savinho for the forward ranks, while there is interest in Sandro Tonali to help improve the midfield area.

While Tottenham are keen to improve the squad, there are concerns that some important players could leave this summer, with uncertainty now surrounding the future of Luka Vuskovic.

Luka Vuskovic Pushing For Tottenham Exit

Tottenham have strengthened their defensive options this summer, but those signings could now force an exit for Vuskovic over the next few weeks.

According to journalist Alex Crook, the 19-year-old is now pushing to leave Spurs, as he searches for more guaranteed game time without being sent on loan again.

Vuskovic has been the subject of transfer interest from Brighton, who have had an offer in the region of £35 million rejected in discussions separate from the North London club’s talks to sign Van Hecke.

It’s unclear whether the Seagulls will return with an offer for the Croatian international, while he remains unhappy at the prospect of staying at Tottenham.

It comes as a potential blow for the club, who have been keen to maximise the potential of Vuskovic as one of the most promising defenders for the future.

His return from Hamburg brings plenty of questions over his future, which will need to be answered in the next few weeks.

Tottenham Advantage In Vuskovic Future

As Vuskovic faces doubts over his future, Tottenham appear to hold almost all of the cards to decide on what his next steps will be.

Spurs have a deal until 2030 for the defender, meaning they have plenty of time on their side and there is no need to force a deal this summer.

Add to that his need to develop, and Tottenham have a clear advantage in deciding the future of Vuskovic, whether that is on loan or with the club.

An exit could raise some valuable transfer funds, especially for a player who is not currently proven, but any fee must be sizeable and well beyond the £35 million currently on the table.

Six days on from Mexico’s opening World Cup victory over South Africa, England finally kicked off their tournament with a match against Croatia. It was a thrilling game as Thomas Tuchel’s side came away with a fine 4-2 win.

The Three Lions famously took on and lost to the Croatians in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Out for revenge, Harry Kane was there to deliver it early on. Noni Madueke won a penalty, and the England captain scored from 12 yards – although, having missed his first effort, he was fortunate to get a retake due to encroachment.

Croatia then hit back in the 36th minute, with Martin Baturina blasting home from the edge of the box with a powerful strike. It didn’t take long for Kane to score again, this time heading in a Declan Rice corner to put England ahead. However, before the break, another equaliser came, this time with Petar Musa finishing calmly after a lovely move.

In the second half, Tuchel has clearly got into his men as they came out firing, and scored almost instantly through Jude Bellingham after a powerful run. Bukayo Saka then linked up with fellow substitute Marcus Rashford, who put the cherry on top as he made it 4-2.

Experienced Three Lions Star Struggles vs Croatia

England manager Thomas Tuchel via REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

One of the big calls from Tuchel ahead of the game was to go with John Stones and Ezri Konsa in the middle of defence, with Marc Guehi dropped. This was a bold decision and didn’t really pay off as the backline looked shaky throughout.

Despite the Three Lions carrying a great threat whenever going forward, the Croatians were able to stress the English backline without having to do that much. As such, they scored twice in the first half despite not having as much of the ball.

Notably, Stones looked off it. The Manchester City defender hasn’t been able to stay fit this season, playing just twice in the Premier League in 2026 (making just 19 appearances in all competitions across 2025/26). This may explain why he looked rusty on the day.

Although things settled in the second half, with the opposition unable to break forward as frequently, it was not a convincing display for the centre-back. Stones was then hooked in the 87th minute, with Guehi replacing him.

The 32-year-old picked up a poor 6.4 SofaScore rating, having been dribbled past once, giving away one foul, and only managing two defensive contributions.

England Fans Slam John Stones

England’s Ezri Konsa and John Stones via Reuters/Maria Lysaker

Despite the win, some England fans seemed worried by Stones’ performance, as many suggested he should be dropped if Tuchel’s team are to have a hope of going all the way at the 2026 World Cup. One wrote:

Another suggested: This England defence won’t win a World Cup. Guehi has to be in over Stones going forward.”

One more said: “Stones has been shocking.” While another firmly stated:

On that theme, another wrote: “John Stones has been a top defender in his time but its been evident for at least a couple of seasons now that he is well past his best. I can see him getting dropped for Guehi in the next game, if Tuchel has any sense, at least.”

A final fan summed up the sentiment, writing: “England’s defence looks disorganised. They conceded two goals far too easily. I do not understand why John Stones was preferred ahead of Maguire and other available options.”