Thomas Tuchel forces immediate FIFA action after ‘begging’ them not to spoil England moment

England boss Thomas Tuchel has had his wish granted.

Tuchel had looked forward to what was set to be a ‘very, very special moment’ for himself as he’d gaze out and see his players belting out ‘God Save the King’ in Arlington prior to England’s 4-2 win over Croatia.

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Instead, the Three Lions boss had a wall of green blocking his view as dozens of photographers lined up to capture the German during the anthem.

And Tuchel has made it clear to the sport’s governing body that he wanted a major change to be made ahead of England’s next World Cup clash against Ghana on Tuesday.

Tuchel ‘begging’ FIFA for change

“I have to tell you something, I am begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem because I could not see my team in the national anthem,” Tuchel said during his post-match press conference.

“I was waiting for this moment. 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.

“It ruined a little bit my experience.

“It is very emotional. When I was young and when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of this kind of occasion.”

FIFA makes anthem protocol change

Luckily for Tuchel, his complaint did not fall on deaf ears.

talkSPORT understands FIFA have made a change to their pre-match protocols during the anthems to give coaches a chance to see their players sing the anthem.

Coaches will now be moved further down the touchline for the iconic pre-match scene.

Don’t expect it to result in Tuchel changing his stance on belting out ‘God Save the King, despite the introduction of the new anthem protocols.

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Tuchel had already indicated prior to the contest he would not be singing the anthem.

However, the former Chelsea boss has stated he may change his tune should the Three Lions reach the final.

Speaking prior to the win over Croatia, Tuchel said: “I think we are not there yet. At the very end [of the tournament], maybe.

“I am still a bit shy. I don’t want to offend people and don’t want to have the focus on that now.”

Luckily for Tuchel, the photographer fiasco barely took the shine off what was a brilliant start to England’s World Cup campaign.

Harry Kane opened proceedings in the 12th minute from the penalty spot after Luka Modric had fouled Noni Madueke inside the box.

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Kane had his initial attempt saved by Dominik Livakovic, only for the England skipper to receive a second chance after the Croatian glovesman had come off his line too early.

Croatia equalised through Martin Baturina in the 36th minute, only for Kane to nod England back in front shortly after.

There was more first half drama to come though as Petar Musa scored in the dying stages of the first half for Croatia to level the score at 2-2.

But England regained control of the contest immediately after half-time through Jude Bellingham.

Marcus Rashford then wrapped up the result in the 85th minute, handing Tuchel a win in his first game as a World Cup manager.