Tuchel Pleads with FIFA to Relocate Photographers During National Anthem

England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged FIFA to change the positioning of photographers during the national anthems after he was unable to see his players ahead of their World Cup group-stage victory against Croatia. The incident occurred before the match on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas, where Tuchel was making his debut as England's head coach in the tournament.

During the playing of "God Save the King," Tuchel gestured toward the photographers, who had assembled directly in front of the two benches, asking them to move. When they did not shift, the German coach and his staff resorted to watching the players on the stadium's jumbo screen. “I’m begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem… I could not see my team,” Tuchel said after the 4-2 win.

Tuchel described the moment as "very, very special" but expressed disappointment over the obstruction. “I was standing in front of 50 photographers half a meter away and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience today,” he added. Tuchel had previously mentioned that he might sing the anthem only if England reached the final, saying he felt "a bit shy" and did not want to offend anyone.

Despite a rocky start in which Croatia twice equalized, Tuchel’s halftime message helped turn the game in England’s favor. According to captain Harry Kane, who scored twice, Tuchel told the team to “take off the chains, calm down and go forward.” The coach himself said he reminded the players of their shared vision and urged them to play without fear. “I told them that even if we lose, it would not change my view of the last 17 days, but let’s do it our way,” Tuchel revealed.

England’s remaining Group L matches are against Ghana on Tuesday and Panama four days later.