SportFootballThomas TuchelEngland assistant boss Anthony Barry has gone viral after he cut a frustrated figure during a half-time interview during the Three Lions' World Cup victory against Croatia in Dallas19:00, 19 Jun 2026Updated 19:04, 19 Jun 2026Thomas Tuchel has given the green light for Anthony Barry to carry on with his brutally honest half time TV interviews.‌England assistant boss Barry shocked the viewing millions with a blunt assessment of the team’s first half performance against Croatia live on ITV. Barry said England had played a “complicated and confusing” first half, they made “fearful patterns” and was highly critical of the players not following instructions and “playing long when we should play short, playing short when we should play long.”‌It raised eyebrows to see a member of England boss Tuchel’s backroom staff be so critical of the team’s performance - particularly during a game.‌But it is understood the Football Association have no plans to change and it will continue to be Barry conducting the half time TV interviews throughout the tournament.Barry’s forthright opinions have actually been well received by viewers who enjoyed his honesty as part of ITV’s coverage of England’s first 45 minutes of their opening Group L match against Croatia which they went on to win 4-2.ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke is one of TV’s best interviewers and it was a highly insightful and excellent piece of television.‌It is a new policy in this World Cup for nations to provide a half time interview which is described as being a “request rather than mandatory.”Some nations have provided the manager or a non-playing substitute with some countries clearly taking it more seriously than others.‌They will be done with either the hose broadcaster or FIFA TV and, as ITV had the first game, it was Clarke who spoke to Barry and immediately set a very high standard.However, the FA regard it as something they are expected to do and it has been agreed internally that it will never fall on Tuchel or a player so it looks certain to be Barry continuing his half time duties for the foreseeable future.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Article continues belowChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌ITVFIFAThe FAAnthony BarryThomas TuchelEngland football team