Thomas Tuchel was left furious after photographers blocked his view of England’s players during the national anthem ahead of their World Cup victory over Croatia.
The Three Lions manager admitted he had been eagerly anticipating the moment his squad sang God Save The King before kick-off in Dallas, only for a line of photographers to spoil the occasion.
Under FIFA’s revised pre-match protocol, entire squads gather around the centre circle during the national anthems.
However, Tuchel revealed dozens of photographers had been positioned directly in front of the technical area, preventing him from seeing a single one of his players.
The German coach urged FIFA to rethink the arrangement after England’s 4-2 victory at the Dallas Stadium.
“I have to tell you something,” Tuchel said.
“I’m begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem, because I could not see my team.
“And I was waiting for this moment.
Thomas Tuchel was left furious after photographers blocked his view of England’s players during the national anthem ahead of their World Cup victory over Croatia
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Thomas Tuchel had cameras in his face as England players sung the national anthem prior to their World Cup win over Croatia
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“It was a very, very special moment today, and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a metre away.
“And I could not see one single player, and it ruined my experience a little bit.”
Tuchel has previously explained that he does not yet feel comfortable singing England’s national anthem himself, insisting he wants to earn the right to do so.
The 52-year-old recently pledged to join in with God Save The King should England reach the World Cup final next month, though admitted he remains “a bit shy” for now.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
Ahead of the Croatia clash, he said: “Not yet, I think we are not there yet.
“At the very end maybe. I am still a bit shy.
“I don’t want to offend people and I don’t want to have the focus on that now.”
Despite the frustration before kick-off, Tuchel was able to celebrate a winning start to England’s World Cup campaign.
Harry Kane struck twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also on target as the Three Lions overcame Croatia in an entertaining Group L encounter.
England captain Kane later revealed Tuchel had delivered a strong message at half-time after seeing his side concede twice during an even opening period.
“The first half was pretty even,” Kane told Fox Sports.
“We were disappointed the way we conceded especially the second goal.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham struck as England soared past Croatia in their World Cup opener
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“The boss at half-time said to ‘let the shackles off, what’s the worse that could happen?’
“We came out with real intensity. That’s how we want to play. That’s the level we need to reach.
“We’re in a really good place as a squad physically.
“We had too much for a great team who will be here towards the end of the tournament.”
England’s victory leaves them well placed in Group L as Tuchel looks to guide the Three Lions to a first World Cup triumph since 1966.
They’ll face Ghana next Tuesday before going up against Panama on Saturday, June 27.
