England boss Thomas Tuchel was involved in a tense confrontation with Jordan Pickford during the opening half of England’s first World Cup match against Croatia.
Despite an eventful first 45 minutes that included four goals, a retaken penalty and VAR controversy, the German coach still found an opportunity to issue some strong instructions from the sidelines.
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Tuchel appeared unhappy with his goalkeeper’s distribution early in the contest. Just 17 minutes into the game, with England holding a 1-0 advantage, he openly criticised Pickford for not carrying out his tactical instructions.
The Everton shot-stopper attempted to play the ball out from the back in the opposite direction to what was expected and appeared to indicate that he had lost his balance.
Victor, qual é o seu hiperfoco???
Ver Jordan Pickford gesticular, apluadir um passe para trás ( para si mesmo ??? ), levantar a mão e orientar alguém ( se é que tem alguém ??? ) enquanto o jogo rola
Personagem absurdo pic.twitter.com/TyXsq8EWUB
— Victor Pereira (@Vito_analises) June 17, 2026
However, that reasoning was not enough to appease the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich head coach.
FOX touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves, who was present at the World Cup in the United States, observed the exchange at close range.
Thomas Tuchel on England's offensive play against Croatia 🎙️ #WorldCup | #FIFAWorldCup | #ThomasTuchel | #England📷 pic.twitter.com/5M1nIVZa4u
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 18, 2026
He said: “Just now Jordan Pickford was on his left side and off balance and still picked up. Thomas Tuchel was straight out to the touchline and said ‘no, put it out to the right back, you don’t go that side,’ reports the Express.
“Pickford had a little go back and Tuchel was not impressed. He told him ‘you know what you’re supposed to do, do as I told you.”
Tuchel’s frustration would only have increased when England conceded twice before the break. Martin Baturina first levelled the score with a superb curling effort from the edge of the area before Peter Musa struck following an intelligent headed assist from Ivan Perisic.
Rashford has just won back half of the united fanbase with this golazo he scored today😭😭
pic.twitter.com/91abPvsrH1 https://t.co/7v2sY6dO0T
— Ezzy (@EzzyMUFC) June 17, 2026
Given the unpredictable nature of the first half, Pickford was unlikely to have been the only player receiving criticism from the England manager. The Three Lions made a sluggish start but appeared to gain control after Harry Kane found the net.
The England captain enjoyed a slice of luck in doing so. His initial penalty attempt, taken with a stuttering run-up, was saved by Dominik Livaković, who correctly anticipated the direction.
However, Kane was granted a second opportunity after officials ruled that Livaković had moved off his line before the kick was taken. Josko Gvardiol was also judged to have encroached into the penalty area.
The former Tottenham striker made no error with the retake, abandoning the stuttered approach and calmly placing the ball into the far corner. Croatia responded through a brilliant effort from Baturina, but Kane restored England’s advantage with an outstanding header.
Croatia drew level once more thanks to Peter Musa, a goal that would undoubtedly have angered Tuchel.
During the interval, Tuchel’s assistant Anthony Barry also delivered a blunt assessment in an interview with ITV, criticising the team’s decision-making.
He reflected the manager’s annoyance with Pickford and several of his teammates when he remarked: “We were going long when we should be going long and going long when we should be going short.”
England, however, produced a much stronger display after the restart and overwhelmed Croatia. Jude Bellingham put Tuchel’s side back in front before substitute Marcus Rashford added a fourth goal, helping England send out a powerful statement with their performance.
