Kane hits back at English media: "They're trying to create division in the England camp"
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 14.07.26. | 20:40
He defends Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham after their post-match comments sparked controversy following the WC 1/4 final victory over Norway
Harry Kane has accused sections of the media of attempting to drive a wedge through the England squad, insisting there is no rift between the players and head coach Thomas Tuchel despite the controversy surrounding their post-match interviews after the World Cup victory over Norway.
Speaking ahead of England's blockbuster semi-final against Argentina, the Three Lions captain dismissed suggestions of tension within the camp, arguing that the team's unity has been one of the main reasons behind its run to the last four.
"It is easy to try and create this division," Kane told the BBC.
"It seems like an English mentality, an English thing to do at these major tournaments.
"But it is the complete opposite. The group is where we are because of our togetherness - not just the players, but the coach and the staff. Things sometimes get made out to be more than they are."
The debate erupted after England's dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.
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Following the final whistle, Tuchel admitted his side had been "lucky" to progress and said he was not satisfied with every aspect of the performance, despite praising the team's mentality.
Moments later, Jude Bellingham was informed of those comments during a live television interview and responded: "Whatever. It's difficult out there. It's a tough shift. My thoughts and appreciation go to the players who are out there putting in a great shift."
The exchange quickly fuelled speculation of disagreement between the England manager and his players, but Kane believes the situation was blown out of proportion.
"When you are playing a game like that and you're asked a question five minutes after the final whistle, and he didn't really know what the manager had said, what do you want Jude to say?" Kane asked.
Bellingham later defended his reaction, pointing out the quality of Norway's squad.
"Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions against Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth. They're not an easy team to play against," the Real Madrid midfielder said.
Kane also threw his full support behind Tuchel, saying the German's honesty is one of the qualities that has made him one of the world's elite coaches.
"The boss has been so complimentary of the group," Kane said. "He said the mentality of the group, which is sometimes the hardest part, has been at the highest level.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve and people appreciate that. When he talks, it's never scripted. That's what makes him who he is.
"He is one of the best managers in the world for a reason. We understand him, and over the past two years we've got to know what makes him happy."
England now turn their attention to a mouth-watering World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with Kane set to captain his country in the last four of the tournament for the second time in his career.
WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE
Semi-finals
Tuesday
22.00: (2.40) France (3.30) Spain (3.25)
Wednesday
22.00: (2.55) England (3.10) Argentina (3.15)
***odds are subject to change***