Kane credits Tuchel’s pep talk at half-time for England’s 4-2 win over Croatia
England captain Harry Kane revealed that a rousing half-time message from head coach Thomas Tuchel inspired his side to a dominant second-half display in their 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
England looked in control as Kane struck twice in the first half, including a penalty that saw him equal Gary Lineker’s record for most World Cup goals scored by an England player. However, Croatia fought back on both occasions through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa to ensure the teams went into the break at 2-2.
Tuchel’s side emerged with a new purpose after the break and took complete control of the contest. Jude Bellingham restored England’s lead before substitute Marcus Rashford added a late fourth goal to seal an impressive victory in Dallas.
After the match, Kane credited Tuchel’s team talk for changing England’s approach.
“I thought it was a game of two halves. We were OK in the first half but I was really disappointed that we gave up the way we did and the way we fell,” Kane told ITV.
“Thanks to the manager. The manager spoke to us at half-time just to say if we lose we lose but we lose our way.”
England vs Croatia, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlighting
“You saw it in the way we came out in the second half. We went all out. They couldn’t live with it and that’s the level we have to set every game.”
Kane later revealed more details about Tuchel’s report.
“He told us to take off the shackles, calm down and go. He said, ‘What’s the worst that can happen? Let’s show the world who we can be.’
“We went full throttle in the second half and they couldn’t live with it. That’s the level we have to set every game. The way we controlled the game when we went forward we never looked like we were in danger.”
Picked ahead of Morgan Rogers in the No.10 role, Bellingham echoed his captain’s sentiments and praised the calm way in which Tuchel addressed the team.
“It wasn’t one of those where there was a lot of drama. He didn’t get up and scream. It was just what the team needed,” Bellingham said.
“We have a mature group and great leaders there. They all knew the level we had to get to and why we didn’t hit it. We were clear in the second half and the early goal gave us the platform.”
The Real Madrid midfielder felt England showed their true quality after the break.
“Especially in the second half, we really showed what we’re about. We created a nicer rhythm and that’s where we showed the best of us.”
Tuchel later explained that his message focused on encouraging his players to stop worrying about the result and play with freedom.
“I said that even if we lose, it won’t change my perception of the last 17 days, but let’s do it our way,” Tuchel said.
“We were too focused on the result and too focused on protecting the lead. We want to play this game the way we want and the way we’ve worked together for 17 days. I tried to encourage them to go for it.”
The England manager also confirmed that Declan Rice has been withdrawn as a precaution after experiencing discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring.
“He feels discomfort and I didn’t want to risk it,” Tuchel said. “I hope it’s nothing more. Declan assured me at the end it was good, but we’ll take care of it.”
The win gives England a strong start to their World Cup campaign ahead of upcoming group stage games against Ghana and Panama, with Tuchel’s men already showing signs of the attacking identity their manager wants them to adopt.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
18 Jun 2026 06:37 IST