Harry Kane blasts ITV reporter for ‘trying to create division’ as England star hits back | Football | Sport
Tuchel had blasted England’s performance against Norway, branding the result ‘lucky’ and suggesting that it was the mentality of his players which pulled them through. It drew a strong response from Bellingham, who questioned whether Tuchel knew what it was like to play at the highest level in scorching temperatures.
Those comments quickly went viral, fuelling rumours of a potential rift between Bellingham and the England manager behind the scenes.
Kane has since responded with a fierce rebuttal, accusing Clarke and the wider English media of trying to stoke tensions during major tournaments.
He told the BBC: “When you are playing in a game like that and to be asked a question five minutes after the final whistle, and he didn’t really know what the manager has said, what do you want Jude to say?
“We had just been through a battle. It was really tough out there. It is easy to try and create this division. It seems like an English mentality, an English thing to do at these major tournaments.
“But it is the complete opposite. The group is where we are because of our togetherness. Not just the players, the coach and the staff. Things sometimes get made out to be more than they are.”
Tuchel had also accused England’s players of making life difficult for themselves after being taken to extra time by Norway, with a Bellingham double eventually sending the Three Lions through.
Quizzed on those comments, Kane replied: “We understand what the boss meant. He has been so complimentary of the group.
“He said the mentality of the group, which is sometimes the hardest part, has been at the highest, high level and we have been for some time now.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve and people appreciate that. When he talks, it is never scripted. This is what makes him who he is.
“When it just comes naturally, you believe in that, you believe in what he is saying, you believe in his approach.
“He is one of the best managers in the world for a reason. We understand it. Over the past two years we have got to know him and know what makes him happy.”
