Tuchel slammed England’s performance against Norway, branding the result “lucky” and suggesting it was the players’ mentality that got them through. Bellingham responded strongly, questioning whether Tuchel knew what it was like to play at the highest level in scorching temperatures.
These comments quickly went viral, sparking rumors of a potential rift between Bellingham and the England manager behind the scenes.
Mr Kane has since issued a fierce rebuttal, accusing Mr Clarke and the wider British media of trying to inflame tensions during the major tournament.
He told the BBC: “If you were playing in a game like that and you were asked a question five minutes after the final whistle and you didn’t really know what the manager said, what would you want Jude to say?”
“We had just experienced a battle. It was really tough out there. It’s easy to try to make this division. This seems to be the British mentality and the British way to do things in these major tournaments.”
“But it’s quite the opposite. The group is where we are because of our unity. It’s not just the players, the coaches, the staff. Sometimes it seems like things are more than they are.”
Tuchel also blamed England’s players for making life difficult by forcing extra-time to Norway, with Bellingham’s double ultimately clinching the Three Lions’ victory.
Asked about these comments, Kane said: “I understand what the boss is trying to say. He has been very complimentary of the group.
“He said that the mentality of the group, which is sometimes the most difficult part, is at the highest level it has ever been and we have been at that for some time.
“He puts his heart out there and people appreciate that. When he speaks, it’s not scripted. This is what makes him who he is.”
“When it happens naturally, you believe it, you believe what he’s saying, you believe his approach.
“There’s a reason he’s one of the best managers in the world. We understand that. Over the last two years we’ve gotten to know him and know what makes him happy.”
