Thomas Tuchel was critical of England’s display after beating Norway 2-1 in their World Cup quarter-final, but Jude Bellingham has made headlines by firmly disagreeing
Harry Kane insists Thomas Tuchel is simply “trying to drag” the best out of his England players by being ultra critical. Three Lions captain Kane was effectively playing peace make after Jude Bellingham was clearly annoyed by Tuchel’s remarks following England’s heroic win over Norway.
That clinched England’s second semi-final in three World Cups as they booked a date with Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday. It was Bellingham’s brilliant brace which sealed the victory after an extra time epic but afterwards Tuchel was quite critical of England’s performance in his post-match TV interview.
But Kane insisted that Tuchel just wants the best out of his players – and insisted they can play better despite reaching the last four of the tournament. 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.“
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That was said to defuse a row between Tuchel and two-goal hero Bellingham after the Norway game as the pair appeared to be involved in a war of words. Tuchel said England got “lucky” and was critical of the performance but his TV interview got feisty with Gabriel Clarke when the post-match reporter then asked whether that was down to mentality.
But Tuchel’s remarks were then put to Bellingham who reacted with a sharp riposte to defend his teammates after the extra-time epic in searing heat in Miami. Bellingham hit back: “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.
Do you agree with Thomas Tuchel or Jude Bellingham? Have your say in the comments section.
“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 now prepare to face old enemies Argentina. “I’m also a football coach and I think we can play better.”
They will be sweating on his fitness of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice – who was subbed at half time after spending three days in bed ill after the Mexico game – admitted after the game that he was not right and it will clearly be a race to be fit for the semi-final.
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