England captain Harry Kane shoots down World Cup rift rumors between star Jude Bellingham, coach Thomas Tuchel

England captain Harry Kane has dismissed any drama surrounding manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments after teammate Jude Bellingham took issue with the manager’s criticism of England’s “sloppy” 2-1 win over Norway.

Kane drowned out the noise.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s blockbuster World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta, Kane blasted reports of unrest in England’s camp, accusing the media of trying to tear the Three Lions apart.

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“When you’re playing a game like this and you’re asked a question five minutes after the final whistle and he doesn’t actually know what was said, what do you want Jude to say?” Kane responded (via BBC Sport ).

England’s hard-fought 2-1 extra-time quarter-final victory over Norway punished the Miami Heat on Saturday.

England manager Thomas Tuchel speaks with Jude Bellingham during the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Bellingham was the hero, scoring two of England’s goals, including the dramatic winner in the 93rd minute.

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Immediately after the final whistle, Tuchel gave a brutally negative assessment to the TV cameras.

“The result is fantastic. We are in the last four… but we are not satisfied with the performance in every sense,” Tuchel said on the pitch.

“Sloppy, too many technical errors, not fast enough… We were lucky today.”

The 23-year-old phenom Bellingham also responded.

“Yeah, whatever,” he said. “Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play against Erling Haaland and Odegaard in such conditions… It’s not easy to play with this team.”

The trade was tabloid gold, but Kane sided with his teammate and accused the media of trying to create division. “I think it’s easy to try to create this division,” said Kane. “It’s similar to the English mentality, the English mentality in big tournaments, but it’s the opposite.”

Rather than turning to Tuchel for public criticism, Kane praised the manager’s intensity.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel speaks during a press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match against Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. (Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

“He carries his heart and people appreciate that,” Kane said. “When he speaks, it’s never scripted. That’s what makes him who he is. When it comes naturally, you believe it.”

“The group has gotten to where we are thanks to our total unity, not just the players, the coach and the coaching staff,” added Kane. “Sometimes things seem like more than they are.”

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England will now try to quiet the noise on the pitch as they face Argentina in the World Cup final.

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