Harry Kane reveals what Tuchel told England players after Norway win amid Bellingham controversy
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England and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane has shared his thoughts on Saturday's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Norway, admitting there is still room for improvement.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel was pleased with the result but frustrated with the performance, saying England “got lucky” and “made life very, very difficult” for themselves during the win.
Kane revealed that the German coach delivered a similar message to the players in the dressing room, praising them for reaching the next stage while acknowledging there is room for improvement.
“He just said there in the changing room, ‘Massive congratulations,’ and told us we should enjoy it and celebrate, but he knows we can do better,” Kane said after the game, according to the FA.
The England captain agreed with Tuchel's assessment that the team did not produce their best performance.
“It wasn’t our prettiest performance, we know that. I said before in the press conference that there’s another level we can reach. I still feel like we didn’t reach it as a team," he said.
“But we have match-winners – Jude [Bellingham] was the game-changer again today but the boys at the back, Pickers [Jordan Pickford], everyone put in an amazing shift, this man next to me [Elliot Anderson] as well.
“Everyone involved put the hard work in. The most important element of this team is togetherness and we showed that again today.”
The 32-year-old forward believes the criticism can be used as a positive force for improvement.
“In a way, that’s a good thing. If we are in the semi-finals of a World Cup and knowing we can still improve and find another level, we have to take that as a positive.
“We can be better with the ball in possession. We have a couple of big games ahead.”
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham appeared less impressed with Tuchel’s comments, defending the team’s performance and highlighting the difficulty of the challenge they faced against Norway.
“Yeah well, whatever. It's difficult out there, it's a tough shift. All the players have put in a tough shift. My thoughts and appreciation goes to the players our there who put in a great shift,” said Bellingham, who scored both England's goals.
“Maybe he [Tuchel] doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions against Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth.”
England now face Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday at 21:00 CEST.
