Kane: Tuchel's half-time talk told us to 'show the world'

Harry Kane revealed how Thomas Tuchel's half-time team talk inspired England to lift their level and beat Croatia in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. After a tense first half, the Three Lions produced a dominant display after the break, with the Bayern Munich star crediting his manager's message for the dramatic improvement.

Kane said after the game: "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." He added: "We came out in the second half full gas and they couldn’t live with it, and that’s the level we have to set in every game." Jude Bellingham echoed Kane's assessment, insisting the team didn't need a dramatic intervention.

"It wasn’t one of those where it was a big drama or standing up and shouting; it was what the team needed. We have a mature group with great leaders in there; everyone knew the level we had to get to. The start of the second half gave us a great platform." The win puts England top of Group L with three points.

England

harry kane, thomas tuchel, jude bellingham, england, croatia, 2026 world, half-time talk, bayern munich, three lions, group l