Thomas Tuchel has called on Fifa to intervene after complaining that photographers “ruined” what was an “emotional moment” of his first England national anthem at a World Cup.
The England manager claimed a “scrum” of photographers blocked his view of his players singing "God Save The King" before their tournament opener against Croatia.
Tuchel, who guided England to a 4-2 victory on the night, expressed his frustration following the match at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
"I have to tell you something, I am begging Fifa to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem because I could not see my team in the national anthem," he said.
"I was waiting for this moment. It was a very, very special moment today and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a metre away, and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience.
“It is very emotional. When I was young and when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of this kind of occasion."
Tuchel spoke before the game about he was “not yet” ready to sing the England national anthem himself, though that might change if he can lead the Three Lions to the World Cup final.
The German said: “I think we are not there yet. At the very end maybe.
“I am still a bit shy. I don’t want to offend people and don’t want to have the focus on that now.”
England won their World Cup opener in Arlington, with Harry Kane bagging a brace to begin his bid for the Golden Boot in perfect style.
The Three Lions had their captain’s two first-half goals cancelled out by Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, but after stern words from manager Thomas Tuchel at half-time went on to win 4-2.
Jude Bellingham restored England’s lead just two minutes after the restart before Marcus Rashford sealed the points late on off the bench.
England next face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday and a win will qualify Tuchel’s side for the knockout phase.
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