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FIFA Relocates Photographers from England Bench After Tuchel Complaint
England head coach Thomas Tuchel said photographers blocked his view of the team during the national anthem before a 4-2 win over Croatia. FIFA has repositioned the photographers nearer the halfway line.
Jun 18, 3:32 PM·1m read2 sources
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FIFA has moved photographers away from the England bench during national anthems after head coach Thomas Tuchel said their presence prevented him from seeing his players. Tuchel made the complaint after England’s 4-2 Group L World Cup victory over Croatia. He said he stood in front of a wall of 50 photographers and could not see one single player during the playing of God Save The King.
"I have to tell you something. I'm begging Fifa to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem, because I could not see my team," Tuchel said. "It was a very special moment, and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers and I could not see one single player.
FIFA responded by directing photographers to gather in a huddle nearer the halfway line so coaching staff have an unobstructed view. England’s goals came from Harry Kane, who scored twice, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. Tuchel has stated he does not yet feel comfortable singing the national anthem.
He pledged to join in if England reaches the World Cup final next month but said he remains "a bit shy" for now. "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," he said ahead of the Croatia match.
England captain Harry Kane said Tuchel delivered a strong message at half-time after the team conceded twice in an even first half. " The side responded with greater intensity after the break.
