England coach on verge of tears over ‘broken hearts’ at World Cup | Football | Sport

England assistant manager Anthony Barry paid tribute to ’11 lads with broken hearts’ in an emotional interview. The Three Lions put pre-tournament favourites France to the sword, hitting them for four in the first-half.

Bukayo Saka netted twice after Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa fired England into a quickfire two-goal lead. The frenetic first-half display from the 1966 winners came days after their gut-wrenching World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina. Tuchel’s side were forced to pick themselves up in Miami, three days after the defending champions sparked an unlikely comeback thanks to late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

During a final half-time interview, Thomas Tuchel’s right-hand man couldn’t hide his true feelings. Barry said: “No, I have to be honest, no frustration.

“I’m a little bit emotional, I’m struggling to find the words to describe how proud I am of these players. they’re playing the game with broken hearts.

“I see 11 lads with broken hearts, seen them in the last two days broken hearts, they can build a performance like that through playing for England, the team spirit we built the last seven weeks, it’s been a privilege to watch. I know what the cynics will say, ‘it’s too late’ but we still play against a world class opponent.

“That 45 minutes I’m so proud, there’s still 45 minutes to go, anything can happen but in isolation, I’m proud of the team and hopefully everyone back home is too.” Barry was right to be cautious as Didier Deschamps’ side came out firing in the second-half and halved the deficit.

Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola scored two goals in six minutes to reduce the arrears before the Real Madrid star added a third for France. Reports suggest that it could be Deschamps’ final match in charge as Zinedine Zidane faces increasing speculation over replacing the World Cup-winning tactician.

Barry’s emotional interview comes amid mounting criticism and scrutiny of Tuchel in the wake of the semi-final exit. The German was booed during the preparations for the bronze match.

Tuchel put on a defiant front ahead of the third-place playoff regarding his future. He said: “I would like to make my own picture.

“I think it is strong statement that you give here and be the advocate for half of the country being against me or a split country. Let’s wait for that. What’s the question? It will never change my thinking if I would like to carry on.”