Tuchel backs Barry after assistant's blunt half-time verdict on England's shaky World Cup start

Thomas Tuchel has given his full backing to assistant coach Anthony Barry following the 40-year-old’s candid half-time television interview during England’s 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia in Dallas, saying he would be “so happy” for Barry to keep speaking openly.

Barry told interviewers at the break that England had been “complicated and confusing” in the opening period, with the sides level at 2-2. An improved second-half display delivered the win, but Barry’s unusually frank public assessment drew widespread attention — and, according to Tuchel, plenty of ribbing inside the England camp.

“I’m so happy if he does that at half-time — and then I don’t have to do it,” Tuchel said. “Why would you say ‘allow it to happen’? Do you think I need to do that? I’m so happy if he speaks.”

The Germany-born head coach admitted he had not actually heard the interview himself but said the reaction from those who had made it clear Barry’s words had landed. “I hear a lot of people speaking, so he gets a lot of banter for it,” Tuchel added. “I can imagine it makes sense what he said, and he spoke hopefully from his heart and from his knowledge because he’s just a top coach. The guy is a top coach. And he is an inspiration, and he pushes me, and helps me and supports me. It’s just top level.”

Left-back Nico O’Reilly also defended Barry’s approach. “Anthony Barry’s very honest, straight to the point, and I think that’s the best way to be,” O’Reilly said.

Barry, who has worked previously with Roberto Martinez at Belgium and built a reputation as one of European football’s more sought-after tactical minds, found himself thrust into an unusually public spotlight by the interview. Tuchel’s relaxed response suggests the episode has done nothing to dent the working relationship between the two coaches — and may even have reinforced it.