England boss Thomas Tuchel appeared to clash with one of his key players over certain tactics during his side's win over Croatia in the World Cup group stage.
It came during a chaotic first half in Dallas, when the Three Lions took the lead twice through Harry Kane, but were pegged back by Martin Baturina and Petar Musa before the break.
Assistant head coach Anthony Barry revealed his frustrations with the team in a punchy half-time interview with ITV, while whatever was said at the break certainly sprang the side into life for the second half.
There were clear frustrations spilling over at points, which extended to the England head coach, as well as his assistants on the touchline.
Thomas Tuchel And Jordan Pickford Clash
England manager Thomas Tuchel looks worried vs CroatiaEngland manager Thomas Tuchel via REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
As far as first matches at the World Cup go, Tuchel has been handed one of the more exciting games to pick the bones out of. There will be tweaks ahead, and some consultation with his players no doubt.
One of those who may have a bit more time on the training ground is Jordan Pickford, who seemingly clashed with the manager over his insistence of playing out from the back.
While the ITV cameras didn't catch it, reports Geoff Shreeves, who was working for FOX Sports in America, claimed that the manager barked instructions at his goalkeeper.
During a break in play in the first half, while the Everton shot-stopper is believed to have fired back some words at the head coach, Tuchel is alleged to have said:
"Do as I told you!"
In the end, England persisted with playing out from the back, as goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured a 4-2 win with a much-improved second-half display.
It marked the first three points of the campaign for the Three Lions, who take on Ghana next in Boston, before the third and final match against Panama in New Jersey.
World Cup 2026 Quiz
You scored
↩ Play again
Perfect Start For England And Tuchel
England's Ezri Konsa and John Stones embrace before the match vs CroatiaEngland's Ezri Konsa and John Stones via Reuters/Maria Lysaker
England's topsy-turvy opening game in Texas has helped get the tournament underway for the side after a long wait from the initial start date for the competition.
It provided an ideal start with three points for Tuchel, but it also provided the perfect test for the manager to sink his teeth into international management at the World Cup.
While England could've turned up and smashed a minnow, they were tested by a good Croatia side who were able to show some of the strengths and weaknesses with the manager's approach.
An image of the England and Croatia flags before the World Cup group stage clash Related
'Crazy' Food and Drink Prices For England's 2026 World Cup Match vs Croatia Emerge
Food and drink prices from England's clash with Croatia have been revealed, with some expensive items for fans in Texas.
It was a perfect start, not in display, but in what it provides for the head coach. It gave him three points, some positive displays, but things to work on that should make England better in the latter stages of this tournament.
It remains to be seen just how far the Three Lions can go, but that win over Croatia could be the foundation for a deep run this summer.