England captain Harry Kane has dismissed suggestions of tension within the Three Lions camp ahead of their FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina, insisting the squad remains “completely together” despite Jude Bellingham’s public response to head coach Thomas Tuchel’s criticism.
England booked their place in the last four with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in sweltering conditions in Miami and will now face defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.
After the quarter-final win, Tuchel admitted he was “not happy” with England’s overall display, saying his side “got lucky” to progress.
Asked about those comments immediately after the match, Bellingham appeared to brush them aside, responding: “Yeah, well, whatever. It’s difficult out there – it’s a tough shift.”
The midfielder’s reaction sparked speculation of a possible disagreement between players and the manager, but Kane has moved quickly to shut down those claims.
“When you are playing a game like that and to be asked a question five minutes after the final whistle, and he didn’t really know what had been said, what do you want Jude to say?” Kane told BBC Sport.
“We had just been through a battle. It is easy to try and create this division ; it seems like an English thing to do at these major tournaments.
“But it is the complete opposite. The group is where we are because of our complete togetherness – not just the players, the coach and the staff. Things sometimes get made out to be more than they are.”
Kane also defended Tuchel’s direct approach, saying the German’s honesty has helped strengthen the squad since taking charge.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve and people appreciate that,” Kane added.
“When he talks, it is never scripted. That is what makes him who he is.
“When it just comes natural you believe in that, you believe in what he is saying, you believe in his approach. He is one of the best managers in the world for a reason. We understand it. Over the past two years we have got to know him and know what makes him happy.”
England will now attempt to reach back-to-back World Cup finals when they face Lionel Messi’s Argentina, with the winners advancing to Sunday’s showpiece. Kane and his teammates will be hoping their unity can carry them one step closer to lifting a first World Cup since 1966.
