Rooney criticises Marsch's public team talk after Canada draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina

Wayne Rooney took issue with Jesse Marsch’s decision to deliver his post-match team talk on the pitch in full view of television cameras after Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto in their World Cup 2026 Group B opener.

Cyle Larin’s equaliser 12 minutes from time rescued a point for the co-hosts after Jovo Lukić had headed Bosnia-Herzegovina in front on 21 minutes. At the final whistle, Marsch gathered his players in a pitch-side huddle and delivered what appeared to be an intense debrief — a sight that did not sit well with the former England captain.

“You look at Jesse Marsch talking to the team — I actually don’t like it, I like them in the dressing room giving the messages,” Rooney said. “But you can see how intense he is and engaged he is, all his players are. Jesse Marsch is trying to give his players something. You can see they are a young team and have energy in the team, and Jesse is giving them that energy to get something out of the game.”

Rooney, speaking as a pundit, was nonetheless measured in his assessment of the result itself, arguing the draw was a fair outcome despite Canada dominating for long spells in the Toronto heat. “I thought it was a good game and I thought Canada were really good and did enough to win the game, but I think both teams will take a point,” he said.

Marsch had also conducted a visible tactical briefing during a hydration break before Larin’s equaliser, underlining the hands-on, high-energy approach that has become a hallmark of the former Leeds United manager’s style.

Speaking after the final whistle, Marsch acknowledged frustration with his side’s first-half display while drawing encouragement from the second. “I’m disappointed with the first half. I felt we were tentative — we didn’t play as aggressively as I would have liked,” he said. “Second half, the moment we stepped on the pitch, it was different.”

Marsch insisted Canada remain in control of their own destiny in the group. “We still have everything in hand and that’s a big point for us to keep ourselves in the group. We have to make sure the next performance is a reflection and learning point from what we learnt today.”