Tuchel says hydration breaks disrupt football's rhythm, demands defensive improvement from England ahead of Ghana clash
England manager Thomas Tuchel believes mandatory three-minute hydration breaks are altering the character of World Cup matches more than expected, breaking momentum and turning games into four quarters. He spoke in Foxborough ahead of Tuesday's Group L fixture against Ghana.
Hydration breaks split opinion
Three-minute hydration breaks, mandated in every World Cup fixture despite varying weather conditions, have become a point of contention. Thomas Tuchel admitted the interruptions affect the game more than he initially thought. The rule was introduced for fair play across host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but critics claim it mainly benefits broadcasters with extra advertising time.
It breaks the match almost in four quarters, and I think it changes the characteristic of the match more than I thought.
Temperatures during Tuesday's game in Boston are forecast to be no higher than 20°C, yet the pauses remain.
Saka pain‑free, Bellingham hitting full stride
England have a fully fit squad for the Ghana test. Bukayo Saka, who came off the bench in the 4-2 win over Croatia, has recovered from an Achilles problem and feels no more pain. Tuchel said the winger is ready to start or be used as a substitute. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham delivered what Tuchel called his "full potential" in the opener, scoring and displaying total commitment to the team shape. The manager wants the on-field connections between Bellingham, Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson to keep improving.
He was able to do both our training sessions the last two days on the highest level, so he's ready to go.
Defensive lapses a wake‑up call
Despite the victory over Croatia, Tuchel is concerned about his side's defensive structure. England dropped too deep during the first half, slipping into a back‑seven formation that exposed them to Croatia's equaliser just before half‑time. Tuchel called it a "wake‑up call" and stressed the need to manage ball recoveries better, maintain a higher block and prevent counter‑attacks from becoming dangerous.
Maybe it is good that we conceded, because it just tells us: 'Let's not do this again.'
Ghana are expected to sit deep, rely on their physicality and break quickly on the counter.
Barry's blunt half‑time interview endorsed
Assistant coach Anthony Barry drew attention when he labelled England's first‑half display "complicated and confusing" in a live ITV interview. Tuchel welcomed the honesty and said he was happy for Barry to keep doing such interviews. Left‑back Nico O'Reilly said the straight‑talking style is "the best way to be".
I'm so happy if he speaks. The guy is a top coach.
Tournament Thomas embraces the vibe
Tuchel is blending intensity with a relaxed atmosphere inside the England camp. Players have been bonding over music, including a vinyl record player in the team hotel and a mass singalong of Oasis's Wonderwall with fans after the Croatia win. The German coach, who watched Oasis live at Wembley, hopes the song becomes the tournament's anthem. He described the World Cup as giving him extra energy and called the days since the opening match among the best of his coaching career.
I've had one of the best days and weeks of my coaching career until now.
Declan Rice believes England's second‑half performance against Croatia set a benchmark and that the squad can beat any opponent if they maintain that level. He dismissed any suggestion of fatigue, saying his body is conditioned for long seasons.
Next task: Ghana
A victory over Ghana in Boston would secure England's place in the knockout stages with a game to spare, and they would top the group if Panama fail to beat Croatia later. Tuchel is wary of a different tactical challenge and wants his team to retain the same courage and aggression.
