England’s assistant manager Anthony Barry gave an emotional half-time interview as he was left in tears praising the Three Lions squad after battering France
England assistant manager Anthony Barry was left in tears as he gave an emotional interview at half-time against France.
The Three Lions battered France in the opening 45 minutes in Miami to take a stunning 4-0 lead. France were beaten by Spain in their semi-final on Tuesday and showed zero fight compared to England.
Thomas Tuchel has come under enormous scrutiny following England’s miserable defeat to Argentina. After Anthony Gordon opened the scoring shortly before the hour mark, the Three Lions attempted to camp behind the ball but were unpicked by two late goals to miss the chance of ending 60 years of hurt.
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England failed to create a single chance after breaking the deadlock on Wednesday but that toothless and overly cautious approach was nowhere to be seen as Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa scored before a Bukayo Saka brace.
As he has done all tournament long, Barry was interviewed at the break, and was asked by Kelly Somers whether he was frustrated that performance had come today rather than last Wednesday.
But Barry delivered another brilliant interview as he held back the tears in response, his voice wavered as he said: “I’m a little bit emotional, I can’t find the words about how proud I am of those players. We’re playing a game with broken hearts, 11 lads with broken hearts.
“I’ve seen them in the hotel in the last few days with broken hearts. They can build a performance like that by playing through pride for England. The team spirit we’ve built in the last seven weeks.
“The cynics will say it’s too late but we still play against a world-class opponent and I’m so proud of the boys.
“Those 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.”
Fans were also impressed by Barry’s interview, as one said on social media: “Anthony Barry signing off with one final superb half-time interview,” as a second echoed: “One last great half-time interview from Anthony Barry.”