Keith Hackett: FIFA must agree to Thomas Tuchel demand after England vs Croatia controversy

Keith Hackett has urged FIFA to listen to Thomas Tuchel's complaints about photographers being too close to him while England sang the national anthem against Croatia.

Tuchel walked away from the Dallas Stadium a happy man on Wednesday night after England's 4-2 win over Croatia in their first 2026 World Cup clash.

He seemed calm and collected when facing the media following the win, but for one comment where he pointed out a particular moment that annoyed him and his backroom staff.

The German could be seen getting increasingly irate as his players sang God Save The King before the clash, due to a large gathering of photographers blocking his view of the pitch.

Tuchel demanded that FIFA do something about the issue in a post-match interview, and former PGMOL chief Hackett agrees with his view.

The England manager explained that he felt the experience was "ruined a little bit" after he had waited for the moment to see his players sing the anthem.

It remains to be seen if FIFA do anything about the situation before England's second group game against Ghana takes place next Tuesday.

In a clip posted to social media site X, Tuchel could be seen remonstrating with members of the media that stood just a matter of yards from the Three Lions' dugout.

Before the anthem, he said: "You are very close guys, very close. I cannot see anything," then after it he complained again, asking: "What is this? Disgrace."

This is actually insane pic.twitter.com/M3nUDn6NVv https://t.co/dJbPy6jYJn

Former FIFA official Hackett has insisted that Tuchel and his staff should have been able to see the pitch, and the governing body must make adjustments going forward.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: "The manager and all of his backroom staff and players that occupy the trainers' bench want to be connected to the team on the field and show, through the national anthem, their spirit and cohesion.

"FIFA should react to the England manager's comments and make changes to the format to accommodate everyone."

Hackett warned the England players before the Croatia match, when speaking exclusively to Football Insider, due to referee Clement Turpin's chequered past with Tuchel.

He helped England on their way to victory, however, by pointing to the spot early on after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke.

The Three Lions can take a huge step towards topping Group L with a win against Ghana in Boston next week, and Opta are giving England a 77.3 per cent chance of winning their second group game.