Tuchel’s half-time rally sparked England’s fightback against Croatia — Kane reveals

Harry Kane has disclosed that a stirring half-time team talk from Thomas Tuchel, during which the England manager challenged his players to “show the world what we can be”, proved pivotal in securing victory in England’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Croatia twice fought back before the interval after Kane had drawn level with Gary Lineker’s record for goals scored by an England player at World Cup finals. The captain struck first from the penalty spot before adding a second with a header from Declan Rice’s corner.

England, however, delivered a markedly stronger display after the break. Jude Bellingham restored their advantage, while Marcus Rashford emerged from the bench to seal the win in the closing stages.

Recalling Tuchel’s message to the squad, Kane said: “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.

“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 also reflected on the impact of the manager’s words, explaining that the intervention was measured rather than dramatic.

“It wasn’t one of those where it was a big drama or standing up and shouting; it was what the team needed,” he said. “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.”

There was concern when Rice was withdrawn as a precaution during the second half, although Tuchel later revealed that the Arsenal midfielder had experienced discomfort in his lower back and upper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 said.

“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 conceded that his players had shown signs of anxiety despite taking the lead on two occasions, although he believes the experience will ultimately benefit the squad as the tournament progresses.

“Sometimes if you want to get it so perfectly right, you sometimes want it too much and you overthink it,” he said. “In the end, in doubt, we took the decision to go backwards, on and off the ball. We played way too many 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 further on his half-time address, Tuchel explained that his focus was on settling the players and encouraging them to trust their abilities.

“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,” he said.

“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.”