Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12
Kane Says England Can Hit Another Level Before 2-1 Argentina Semi-Final Test
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12

Kane Says England Can Hit Another Level Before 2-1 Argentina Semi-Final Test

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12

Summary

  • Harry Kane said England still have "another level" to reach before Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, even after advancing with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway.
  • Thomas Tuchel's criticism drove that message: the England coach said his side got lucky, were sloppy and failed to reproduce the attacking quality he sees in training.
  • Kane, 32, said England have shown that higher standard only in glimpses, but viewed it as encouraging that they are in the last four while still short of full control.
  • Jude Bellingham, who scored the extra-time winner against Norway, pushed back on Tuchel's assessment, saying the players deserved credit for handling difficult conditions and a strong Norwegian side.
  • England are in a World Cup semi-final for only the fourth time since winning in 1966, with Kane framing the Argentina match as a chance to finally turn a strong era into a title.

Insights

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Is the public clash between coach and player a sign of England's championship mentality or a fatal flaw?