Keith Hackett shares 'clear instruction' refs have received that's left England players unhappy

England fans and players alike didn't seem happy after the hydration break was announced in the first half against Ghana on Tuesday,

Declan Rice looked visibly frustrated at Boston Stadium on 23 June after the referee blew his whistle in the 26th minute as play was halted.

Supporters of several teams, including the Three Lions, have made their feelings known about the latest change in the game, with many feeling that against the Black Stars, the officials should have called for the break earlier.

With Reece James down at around the 21st minute, speaking on BBC commentary, Alan Shearer said that it would have been "common sense" to call for the water break, but it looks like referees have been given clear instructions on when they should take place.

The Premier League icon feels it was "crazy" for Said Martinez not to make a judgment call, as most players were already huddled at their respective benches taking refreshments when the Chelsea star was being treated, before eventually being called back into the middle by the referee.

Financial gain seems to have taken precedence over what's best for the game and it doesn't look like there will be any changes to the rules during the summer tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

FIFA bows to broadcasters as fans take backseat at World Cup

Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has acknowledged that on-field officials may have no say in when hydration breaks should take place.

The ex-PGMOL chief believes the mid-game interruption is being implemented solely to allow broadcasters to make more money from advertising during fixed slots.

FIFA has come under criticism from supporters for some of their decisions during the 2026 World Cup, but it feels like their concerns don't matter.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said, "These water breaks appear to be purely about broadcasters gaining extra revenue from fixed advertising slots during the 90-minute game. Referees will have received clear instructions when these are to take place."

What does the England manager feel about hydration breaks?

England dropped points against Ghana despite dominating possession, with the game ending 0-0.

Thomas Tuchel has previously expressed his dissatisfaction about the game essentially being broken into four quarters, saying, "I think that it interrupts and changes the identity of a football match much more than I thought.

"I think I like football more when it's played in one go in one half because it builds momentum. It's part of the game."

Whether the hydration break becomes a regular fixture in football remains to be seen, but it has certainly been one of the least popular changes the game has seen in a while.