Use PHP background image and inherit CSS styling -

so question simple. i'm using css call background image populates several thumbnails (works great!) ave been told need use php , 1 more thing have comply strict no img tag policy (only spans).

this workable site: www.xxlbreakcomp.com

i tired calling image using line of php:

    <span style="background: url('<?php bloginfo('template_directory'); ?> /library/images/thumb.pic.jpg"></span>  

i see in inspector there line through (even when delete css reference) lost. if helps reason switching php because use loop. php chops arent best bare me. thank in advance.

you using both single , double quotes , missing closing parentheses.

url('<?php bloginfo('template_directory'); ?>/library/images/thumb_pic.png')