ARLINGTON — England head coach Thomas Tuchel requested that FIFA alter the positioning of photographers during the national anthem after photographers blocked his view during England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match occurred on June 18, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Tuchel stated that approximately 50 photographers stood half a meter in front of him during the national anthem. He said he could not see any players singing due to the photographers. "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.

"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," Tuchel said. He also stated he is not currently ready to sing the England national anthem himself.

Harry Kane scored two goals for England in the match, tying Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals for England. Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford each scored one goal. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa scored one goal each for Croatia.

The score was tied 2-2 at halftime. Bellingham scored a goal two minutes into the second half. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved Kane's initial penalty kick, but the kick was retaken because Livakovic moved off the goal line before the initial strike. England captain Harry Kane said, "The boss said at half-time to up the tempo, go man for man and completely take the game to them, and that is exactly what happened."

Noni Madueke started the match ahead of Bukayo Saka. Morgan Rogers entered as a substitute for Declan Rice, and Saka later substituted for Madueke. Rashford entered the match as a substitute for Anthony Gordon. Tuchel selected Ezri Konsa over Marc Guehi for the starting lineup. "It wasn't one of those where it was a big drama or shouting; it was just what the team needed," England midfielder Jude Bellingham said of the halftime discussion.