Harry Kane Backs Thomas Tuchel Following Tensions Within England Squad
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed clear frustration with his team’s performance despite a 2-1 victory over Norway that secured a spot in the semi-finals. Speaking immediately after the match, Tuchel admitted he was unhappy with the display, noting that the side made the game unnecessarily difficult for themselves.
When reporters asked Jude Bellingham about the manager’s comments in the mixed zone, the Real Madrid star offered a measured response. “Maybe. But maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play under these conditions against Erling Haaland, Ødegaard, Nusa, and Sörloth,” Bellingham said. “It’s not easy to play against this team.”
Harry Kane addressed the indirect exchange during a press conference on Sunday, choosing to support his coach. “He knows full well that it’s not that easy. We’re facing top-class opponents and good teams,” the Bayern Munich striker told RMC Sport. “He’s trying to get the best out of us, and we know ourselves that we can reach a higher level. We haven’t quite shown that yet, even though we’ve already seen some signs of it.”
Kane further explained the manager’s high expectations regarding the team’s attacking play. “When Thomas Tuchel watches us in training, when he sees our togetherness and what we’re capable of — especially with the players we have, the way we attack, our one-on-one duels and our technique — then he simply wants to see exactly that version of us.”
Looking ahead to Wednesday, England prepares to face reigning world champions Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals at 9 p.m. German time. Kane acknowledged the caliber of the upcoming challenge while remaining positive about the team’s trajectory.
“The positive thing is that we’re in the semi-finals and at the same time feel that we can still improve,” Kane said. “But I don’t think there’s any need to worry too much about it. We’re showing a lot of good things.”
If England advances past Argentina, the team remains in contention for its first World Cup title since 1966.