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Harry Kane has revealed Thomas Tuchel’s straightforward reaction following England’s narrow World Cup quarter-final triumph over Norway, admitting that the manager was not entirely pleased despite the victory that sent the Three Lions into the semi-finals. The England captain acknowledged that Tuchel felt the team fell short of the standards required to win the tournament, even though they managed to edge past the Norwegians in Miami.

Tuchel’s post-match verdict in the dressing room

Although England celebrated their 2-1 extra-time win, the atmosphere in the dressing room at Hard Rock Stadium was one of realism rather than celebration. Kane explained that Tuchel congratulated the players but immediately reminded them that improvement was essential if they were to go all the way.

“He just said in the changing room, massive congratulations, enjoy it and celebrate, but he knows we can do better,” Kane stated. “In a way, that’s a positive. If we’re in the World Cup semi-finals and still feel there’s another level we can reach, that’s a great sign. We can handle possession better. We’ve got a few more huge games coming up.”

Challenging conditions in Miami

The sweltering conditions at Hard Rock Stadium had a clear impact on the match’s tempo. With soaring humidity levels making it tough to maintain their usual intensity, Kane admitted that England struggled to impose themselves against a well-organised Norwegian side before Jude Bellingham’s two goals turned the game around.

“It was a tough game – hot, extremely difficult, even more so than Mexico with the heat and humidity, but once again we found a way,” Kane admitted. “It wasn’t our best display, we know that. I said before that there’s another gear for us, and I still feel like as a group we haven’t reached it yet.”

Squad strength proving crucial

Despite not being at their fluent best, Kane praised the squad’s depth and the individuals who made the difference when it mattered. He commended the collective effort of both starters and substitutes who helped England get through an exhausting contest.

“We’ve got match-winners – Jude was the game-changer again today, but everyone at the back, Pickers [Jordan Pickford], and this man next to me [Elliot Anderson], put in an incredible shift. Every player contributed. The biggest strength of this team is our unity, and we showed that again. The substitutes made a big impact – Djed [Spence] especially, his energy and one-on-one play really lifted us. That’s exactly what we need.”

Focus shifts to the semi-finals

Looking ahead to the semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta, Kane emphasised that internal competition for places is driving the team to perform better. The striker, who earned his 120th international cap to equal Wayne Rooney’s record, insisted that every member of the 26-man squad has a role to play in England’s push for glory.

“We discussed six weeks ago when we first met up that everyone would be needed,” he explained. “At times during a tournament, players who aren’t starting can feel disappointed, and that’s natural. But every time someone comes on, they give everything for the shirt and the badge. It’s a quick turnaround – we play again on Wednesday – and the challenges will only increase. We’ll need every player to step up this week.”