Harry Kane Denies Rift in England Squad

JAKARTA - Captain Harry Kane denied the notion of a split in the England squad. He confirmed that there was a united unity ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

England secured their place in the last four with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the heat of Miami, with Jude Bellingham responding to Thomas Tuchel's assessment after the game that they did not play well.

The Real Madrid star scored twice to send his side through. He appeared to question Tuchel by saying the coach did not know what it was like to play in those conditions. However, Kane dismissed any suggestion of a rift within the team.

"When you play a game like that and are asked five minutes after the final whistle, and he doesn't really know what the manager said, what do you want Jude to say?"

"We've just been through a battle. It's really tough out there. It's easy to try and create this divide, it seems to be the English mentality, the English habit in these big tournaments."

"However, the reality is quite the opposite. This team is in this position because of our togetherness, not just the players, coaches, and staff. Sometimes, things are exaggerated," said Kane.

Kane admitted that Tuchel's straightforward style of speaking made him an elite coach and confirmed that the German coach had been positive towards the squad.

"We understand it. The players on the pitch know better than anyone, when you play well, when you don't play well. It's an integral part of football."

"We understand the boss's meaning, the boss praises this team very much. He said the team's mentality, which is sometimes the hardest part, has been at the highest level. We have been at that level for some time now."

"He's very open and people appreciate that. When he speaks, it's never planned. That's what makes him himself."

"When it comes naturally, you trust him, you trust what he says, you trust his approach."

"He's one of the best managers in the world for a reason. We understand that. Over the last two years we've got to know him and know what makes him happy," Kane said.