Harry Kane reveals half-time Tuchel pep-talk inspired England to victory over Croatia

• Storming second-half display comes after coach’s speech

• Coach tells team to ‘show the world what we can be’

Harry Kane has revealed that a half-time speech from Thomas Tuchel when he told England “to show the world what we can be” inspired victory in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Croatia equalised twice before half-time after Kane had equalled Gary Lineker’s record for goals scored by an England player at the World Cup finals with a penalty and a header from Declan Rice’s corner.

But a much-improved performance in the second half saw Jude Bellingham re-establish England’s lead before Marcus Rashford came off the bench to wrap up the victory late on.

Sources: The Guardian