Kane and Bellingham challenged England’s approach in World Cup review

England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham voiced strong criticism of the team’s approach to their World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina during a candid meeting with head coach Thomas Tuchel, according to BBC Sport.

The meeting took place at the start of the September international break, as part of the Football Association’s review of England’s tournament. Players had been invited to share their views, and some were still unhappy about Tuchel’s instructions in the closing stages of the 2-1 loss on 15 July.

England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernández equalised with five minutes remaining before Lautaro Martínez scored a stoppage-time winner. Some senior players believed Tuchel’s late-game approach was too cautious and that England should have continued to attack.

Tuchel argued at the review that Argentina’s quality was a key factor in the defeat. BBC Sport reported that players did not all accept that explanation; some believed England had the stronger side and could have taken the game to their opponents.

Kane was forthright in the discussion, while Bellingham was particularly candid about the team’s ability to keep pressing Argentina, the report said. It described Bellingham’s contribution as evidence of his growing influence within the squad.

Tuchel said last week that his relationship with Bellingham had been “a bit of an up and down” but that “we are in a good place”. He added: “I love to be his coach. He’s a top player, a very influential player and I think it goes both ways.”

England have since won three matches against the Czech Republic and Croatia, scoring 12 goals without conceding, after losing 3-2 to Spain in their first September game. They are due to host Croatia on Thursday and play Spain in Madrid on Sunday.