Manager Thomas Tuchel was furious at the attitude of several cameramen during England’s national anthem during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s week just got even better (Image: Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel has scored another World Cup win after FIFA responded to his complaints after England’s 4-2 win over Croatia. Three Lions manager Tuchel was attempting to watch England players sing the national anthem in Dallas on Wednesday when he was blocked by a line of photographers.
The German player went on to ask FIFA to move camera operators below the touchline for future matches. After the game, coach Tuchel lamented, “I have to say something. I couldn’t see the team during the national anthem, so I’m begging FIFA to change the position of the cameraman during the national anthem.”
“I’ve been waiting for this moment. Today was a very, very special moment. I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a meter away, and I couldn’t see a single player.
“It spoiled my experience a little bit. It’s very emotional. When I was younger and when I started coaching, an opportunity like this was too big to dream of.”
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Less than 24 hours after Tuchel’s comments, FIFA changed its pre-match protocols. Cameramen gathered near the halfway line so coaches could get a clear view of the players.
“It’s very close, guys, it’s very close,” Tuchel was heard telling photographers at AT&T Stadium. “You’re so close you can’t see anything.”
The former Chelsea manager ultimately gave up on securing a vantage point from the dugout and instead locked arms with the coaching staff and belted out ‘God Save the King’. Tuchel had to look up at the big screen to watch his players sing.
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Photographer no longer interrupts Thomas Tuchel (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Coach Tuchel did not sing England’s national anthem, but did not rule out the possibility of doing so in the future. “I don’t think we’re there yet,” the 52-year-old said.
“It might be the last minute. I’m still a little shy. I don’t want to upset people and I don’t want to focus on that right now.”
England will be even more confident of reaching the final after defeating Croatia comfortably. The Three Lions’ defense was not solid, but goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford and a double from Harry Kane helped England earn three points and advance to Group L.
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