Thomas Tuchel appeared to clash with Jordan Pickford in a row over playing out from the back during England’s World Cup opener against Croatia.
The Three Lions had gone ahead in Dallas through Harry Kane’s retaken penalty when the dispute occurred.
The incident was not caught by the TV cameras but Geoff Shreeves, working as a reporter for Fox, claimed the England boss told his goalkeeper: ‘Do as I told you!’
Shreeves also claimed Pickford fired back at his manager, who seemed to have criticised the Everton star for failing to follow instructions by playing the ball in the wrong direction.
Kane had missed his initial spot-kick but referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake because Croatia’s Dominik Livakovic was deemed to be off his line.
Jordan Pickford appeared to clash with Thomas Tuchel during England’s World Cup opener
The England captain made no mistake after his VAR reprieve but Croatia equalised through Martin Baturina’s stunning strike.
Kane restored England’s advantage, heading home a superb Declan Rice corner, before Croatia levelled again in first-half stoppage time when Petar Musa beat Pickford from close range.
England emerged late for the second half after being kept in by Tuchel, who looked frustrated on the bench during an entertaining first 45 minutes.
The German appeared unhappy with his team’s performance after a series of mistakes, including for Croatia’s goals.
It took them less than two minutes to go back in front as Jude Bellingham broke clear and scored a superb individual effort.
England, one of the favourites to win the World Cup, and Croatia are joined by Ghana and Panama in Group L.
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