England captain Harry Kane revealed that a rousing half-time message from head coach Thomas Tuchel inspired his side’s dominant second-half display in their 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening Group L match at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
England looked in control when Kane struck twice in the first half, including a penalty that saw him equal Gary Lineker’s record for the most World Cup goals scored by an England player. However, Croatia fought back on both occasions through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, ensuring the teams went into the break level at 2-2.
Tuchel’s side emerged with renewed purpose after the interval 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.
Speaking after the match, Kane credited Tuchel’s team talk for transforming England’s approach.
“I thought it was a game of two halves. First half we were OK but really disappointed to concede the way we did and the way we dropped off,” Kane told ITV.
“Credit to the manager. The manager gave us a speech at half-time, just to say if we lose, we lose, but we lose in our way.
England vs Croatia, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights
“You saw that in the way we came out in the second half. We came out full gas. 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 message.
“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. 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.”
Bellingham, who was selected ahead of Morgan Rogers in the No. 10 role, echoed his captain’s sentiments and praised the calm manner in which Tuchel addressed the squad.
“It wasn’t one of those where there was a big drama. He wasn’t standing up shouting. It was just what the team needed,” Bellingham said.
“We have a mature group and great leaders in there. Everyone knew the level we had to get to and why we weren’t hitting it. We were very 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.
“The second half especially, we really showed what we are about. We created a nicer rhythm and that’s where we saw 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 even if we lose it will not 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 match 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 was withdrawn as a precaution after experiencing discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring.
“He feels discomfort and I didn’t want to take any risks,” Tuchel said. “I hope it’s nothing more. Declan reassured me at the end that it’s good, but we will take care of it.”
The victory gives England a strong start to their World Cup campaign ahead of upcoming group-stage fixtures against Ghana and Panama, with Tuchel’s men already showing signs of the attacking identity their manager wants them to embrace.
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