Harry Kane has moved to defuse a growing rift between England manager Thomas Tuchel and star midfielder Jude Bellingham, insisting Tuchel is only “trying to drag” the best out of his players after a tense post-match exchange following England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Kane’s Peacemaking Role
The Three Lions captain spoke out after Bellingham publicly disagreed with Tuchel’s assessment that England were “lucky” to advance. Kane said: “When he sees us train and sees the closeness of us and sees what we can do, especially with the players we have, the way we attack, our one-on-ones and the skills. He just wants to see that version of us. He knows as much as anyone that it’s not as simple as that, we’re playing against good opposition and good teams. He’s trying to drag it out of us and we know ourselves we have another level that we can reach.”
Tuchel’s Criticism Sparks Row
England’s victory in Miami secured their second semi-final in three World Cups, setting up a clash with Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday. Bellingham scored both goals in extra time, but Tuchel’s post-match TV interview was critical, saying England got “lucky” and questioning the performance. When reporter Gabriel Clarke pressed on mentality, the exchange grew heated. Bellingham responded sharply: “Yeah well, whatever, whatever. It’s difficult out there, it’s difficult. It’s a tough shift, all the players have put in a very tough shift so my thoughts and appreciation goes to the players who were out there who put in a great shift yet again.”
Bellingham Defends Teammates
The Real Madrid midfielder added: “Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Odegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sorloth. That’s not an easy team to play against so we’ve tried to create a positive environment, we should continue that going into the final four and I can’t praise the lads enough.” Tuchel later insisted there was no issue and he “only had love” for his players as they prepare to face old enemies Argentina. “I’m also a football coach and I think we can play better,” Tuchel said.
Fitness Concerns for Rice
England may be without midfielder Declan Rice for the semi-final. The Arsenal star was substituted at half-time after spending three days in bed ill following the Mexico game. Rice admitted after the match that he was not right, and his fitness remains a concern ahead of the Argentina clash.
