Thomas Tuchel responds to England assistant’s explosive ITV interview during World Cup opener

Thomas Tuchel has vowed to let Anthony Barry to carry on doing half-time interviews with broadcasters after his explosive words at the break in the win over Croatia – and said he will be “so happy” if his assistant keeps speaking his mind.

Barry said England had been “complicated and confusing” in the opening period of their World Cup opener in Dallas, as they went in at 2-2, before an improved performance led to a 4-2 victory.

Tuchel was relaxed about Barry’s blunt analysis and said the 40-year-old had been on the receiving end of a few comments inside the England camp after he suddenly acquired a higher profile.

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

“I haven’t heard it. But I hear a lot of people speaking, so he gets a lot of banter for it. 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.

“And you see the quality. 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 said he had no problem with Barry’s words, adding: “Anthony Barry’s very honest, straight to the point, and I think that’s the best way to be.”