Tuchel warns England stars one red card could end their World Cup campaign

Thomas Tuchel has put England’s players on notice that their World Cup campaign could unravel in a single moment of indiscipline, as FIFA’s tightened disciplinary rules begin to bite in the tournament.

Speaking ahead of England’s group-stage fixture against Ghana, Tuchel pointed to Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón — the first player to be sent off under FIFA’s new directive penalising players who cover their mouths in confrontational situations — as a stark illustration of how quickly fortunes can change.

“It always can change in an instant,” Tuchel said. “You’re always just one red card away from a completely new situation. The most important thing is to be aware that things can get sticky, things can get tough, things can get difficult — and have the right mindset and be relaxed and trustful enough within the group to have an answer for it when it comes.”

England’s tournament opener against Croatia in Dallas had already tested that resilience, with the side surrendering two leads in the first half before steadying themselves. Tuchel acknowledged the performance threw up uncomfortable truths but said the group’s response was encouraging.

One moment from that game that drew widespread attention was assistant coach Anthony Barry’s half-time television interview, in which he described England’s first-half display as “complicated and confusing” with “fearful patterns” — a level of candour rarely heard from inside a national team camp during a live broadcast.

Far from distancing himself from Barry’s remarks, Tuchel was emphatic in his support. “Everyone is speaking about this — yes, it was great. We loved it. I’m so happy if he does that at half-time, and then I don’t have to do it,” he said with a laugh.

“The guy is a top coach. He is an inspiration, he pushes me, helps me and supports me. It’s just top level. I can imagine it makes sense what he said, and he spoke hopefully from his heart and from his knowledge.”

Barry is set to continue conducting the half-time television interviews throughout the tournament, with Tuchel giving his full blessing to the arrangement.