Soccer
'What a top manager' - Kane and Rice react to Tuchel's game changing half-time team talk
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Six days after the World Cup started, England got their campaign underway in a thrilling 4-2 win against Croatia in Dallas.
The first half was a nervous one for England. Despite going ahead twice through captain Harry Kane, Croatia managed to level the score on both occasions, with the match nicely poised at 2-2 come half-time.
The second half was completely different, with England on the front foot, full of intensity and relentless in attack, which was rewarded with goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.
It's safe to say manager Thomas Tuchel will have read the riot act in the dressing room at halftime, and it certainly left an effect on the players when reflecting on their World Cup opener.
Kane reveals what Tuchel said at halftime
With two goals already at this World Cup, Kane spoke to ITV Sport after the final whistle and revealed the key message Tuchel gave to his players after a frustrating first half.
"Credit to the manager, the manager gave us a speech at halftime just to say ‘Look, if we lose, we lose in our way’," Kane said.
"I think you saw that in the second half, we went full gas and they could not live with it.
"That’s the level we have to set for every game, credit to everyone, first game of the tournament and a great result against a tough side."
Harry Kane reveals Tuchel’s half time message that inspired England victory
'He settled everyone'
Unlike Kane, midfielder Declan Rice did not reveal too much about what Tuchel said at the break, but he was full of praise for the effect the manager had when refocusing the team for the second half.
"He was top at halftime, the words he used, settled everyone.
"I can’t say too much, it was one of those moments where you are like ‘Wow, what a top manager’.
"I think we went out second half and everyone was relaxed and we just went for it."
England's win over Croatia sees them go top of Group L, and now prepare to face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.
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