Could Clement Turpin be the villain in England's World Cup quest? The French referee who sparked a Twitter storm three years ago is back in the spotlight after being appointed for the crunch clash against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel will undoubtedly have mixed emotions about Turpin's return to the big stage, where he infamously brandished five yellow cards in one frenzied first half during Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City.
It was a night that left even the most seasoned coaches seething, and Tuchel wasn't afraid to express his discontent. In a scathing post-match review, he labelled Turpin 'Grade E' and gave him a rating of one out of ten, declaring his performance 'absolutely terrible'. The verbal barrage didn't go unnoticed, but it seems Turpin has taken the criticism on the chin and continues to thrive in top-flight refereeing.
The French official has been given the nod for some of Europe's biggest games, including the 2021 Europa League final and last year's Champions League showpiece. He's even handled high-stakes situations with aplomb, such as that infamous incident involving Jude Bellingham in a Champions League match – one that showcased his mettle under pressure.
Despite earning widespread respect among European football officials for his work on major games, Turpin's appointment may still stir up controversy. Tuchel will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the referee's every move, and it remains to be seen how England's players will react to his presence in the middle. One thing is certain, however – this appointment promises to add an extra layer of intrigue to what's already shaping up to be a mouth-watering match.