Harry Kane disclosed that a motivational half-time address from Thomas Tuchel, in which he urged England to “to show the world what we can be” played a crucial role in their triumph during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Despite Croatia equalizing twice before the break, Kane had already made history by matching Gary Lineker’s record for the most goals scored by an England player at World Cup finals, netting a penalty and a header from Declan Rice’s corner. The second half saw a revitalized England, with Jude Bellingham restoring the lead before Marcus Rashford, who came on as a substitute, secured the win late in the game.
“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 recounted, reflecting on Tuchel’s inspiring words.
“We came out in the second half full gas and they couldn’t live with it, and that’s the level we have to set in every game. The way we controlled the game once we went ahead, we never really looked like we were in danger and then scored on the counterattack. We had a spell where we could have scored three or four. Credit to everyone: the first game of the tournament and a great result against a tough side.”
Bellingham added his thoughts.
“It wasn’t one of those where it was a big drama or standing up and shouting; it was what the team needed. We have a mature group with great leaders in there; everyone knew the level we had to get to. The start of the second half gave us a great platform.”
Concerns arose when Rice was substituted in the second half as a precaution, with Tuchel noting that the Arsenal midfielder experienced discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring.
“He feels discomfort. And I didn’t want to take any risks. So if I take Declan off, which I never wanted to do,” Tuchel explained. “But it was the moment to protect him. I hope it’s nothing more. Declan just reassured me at the end. ‘It’s good, it’s good.’ I know the discomfort and we will take care of it.”
The England manager also recognized that his players exhibited signs of anxiety, even after taking the lead twice, but he remains optimistic that they will learn from this experience.
“Sometimes if you want to get it so perfectly right, you sometimes want it too much and you overthink it,” he stated. “In the end, in doubt, we took the decision to go backwards, on and off the ball. We played way too many [passes] backwards, we played way too many back to our goalkeeper. It took us a while to find our confidence. That’s why I said maybe it’s also normal. I had the hope that the goals would help us. It was not the case.”
Reflecting on his half-time message, Tuchel remarked.
“I told them to calm down. We just conceded the goal. To calm down, calm their nerves. And encourage them to do it our way. I told them that my perception of them in the last 17 days will not change no matter what the result is. I want them to do it their way. Our way. I want them to be brave, courageous and tenacious on the front foot. And just go for it.”
