Manager Thomas Tuchel criticized England’s performance in defeating Norway 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals, but Jude Bellingham firmly disagreed, making headlines.
Harry Kane gave the verdict (Image: FIFA)
Harry Kane has claimed that he is only trying to “bring the best out” of England’s players by being highly critical of manager Thomas Tuchel. Three Lions captain Kane was effectively acting as peacemaker after Jude Bellingham was clearly irritated by Tuchel’s comments following England’s heroic win over Norway.
This booked England to play Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, clinching a place in the semi-finals for the second time in three World Cups. Bellingham’s two superb goals sealed victory in extra time, but Tuchel was heavily critical of England’s performance in a post-match television interview afterwards.
But Kane insisted Tuchel only wanted the best from his players and insisted they could play better despite reaching the last four of the tournament. Kane said: “He watches us training, he sees our intimacy, he sees what we can do especially in terms of the players we have, the way we attack, one-on-one, skill-wise. He just wants to see that version of us.”
“He knows better than anyone that things are not that simple. We are playing against a good opponent, a good team. He is trying to take it away from us and we know for ourselves that there is another level that we can reach.”
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It was said to be an attempt to calm down an argument between Tuchel and his two-goal hero Bellingham, who had almost become embroiled in a war of words after the game against Norway. Tuchel criticized England’s performance, saying they were “lucky”, but Gabriel Clarke’s post-match TV interview turned heated when a reporter asked if it was a mental issue.
But Tuchel’s comments were directed at Bellingham, who responded with a sharp counterattack to protect his teammates after a scorching extra-time game in Miami. Bellingham fired back:
“It’s difficult outside, it’s difficult. It’s a tough shift. All the players put in a very tough shift, so my thoughts and gratitude go to the participating players who put in another great shift.”
Who do you agree with more: Thomas Tuchel or Jude Bellingham? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel disagreed (Image: Elsa/Getty Images)
“Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play against Erling Haaland,[Martin]Odegaard,[Antonio]Nusa and[Alexander]Sorloth in those conditions. It’s not an easy team to play against, so we tried to create a positive environment and we should continue to do that in the Final Four. I can’t praise them enough.”
Tuchel later insisted he had no problem with his players ahead of their match against arch-rivals Argentina, saying there was “nothing but love” for them. “I’m also a football coach, so I think I can play better.”
They will be sweating over the condition of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice. After the game against Mexico, he was sick in bed for three days and was substituted at half-time, admitting after the game that he wasn’t right and it will clearly be a race to the semi-finals.
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