Thomas Tuchel has told his players to keep “calm” heads – because their World Cup could be over in an instant.
FIFA have brought in a set of strict new rules for referees in this tournament and Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón made history by becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth in a confrontational situation.
England boss Tuchel says his players must stay focused and not get carried away otherwise they could come unstuck by a moment of bad discipline.
Tuchel said: “It always can change in an instant. You’re always just one red card away from a completely new situation, this can always happen.
“The best thing is to be calm and focused and in good spirits within the group to be ready to face adversity. The first test game in the goals we conceded against Croatia and some other stuff will come, we just don’t know what.
“I don’t want to talk about it too much and prepare for something but something else is round the corner. Maybe nothing is around the corner so why even put it out there? Maybe nothing is round the corner and we do it and we will be in control. Let’s see.
“The most important is to be aware that things can get sticky, things can get tough, things can get difficult and have the right mindset and also be relaxed and trustful enough within the group to have an answer for it when it comes.”
Things had threatened to get sticky during the opener vs Croatia in Dallas, after surrendering two leads in the first half.
That led to some home truths both in the dressing room and to to the watching nation. And Tuchel says he “loved” Anthony Barry’s half-time TV rant.
View 2 ImagesAnthony Barry slammed England for their first-half performance vs Croatia(Image: Getty Images)
Barry let rip into England’s first half performance against Croatia live on TV calling it “complicated and confusing” with some “fearful patterns.”
It raised eyebrows because it was so brutally honest but England assistant coach Barry will carry on doing the half time TV interviews through the tournament.
And Tuchel gave him his blessing and stamp of approval even though he admitted he has not watched his back but trusts Barry implicitly.
Tuchel said: “Everyone is speaking about this! Yes, it was great. We loved it. I’m so happy if he does that at half-time — and then I don’t have to do it!
“But why would you say ‘will I allow it to happen?’ Do you think I need to do that?! I’m so happy if he speaks. And you see the quality.
“The guy is a top coach. And he is an inspiration, and he pushes me, and helps me and supports me. It’s just top level.
“I haven’t heard it. But I hear a lot of people speaking, so he gets a lot of banter for it. I can imagine it makes sense what he said, and he spoke hopefully from his heart and from his knowledge because he’s just a top coach.”
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