FIFA World Cup 2026: Skipper Harry Kane says England can "improve" despite semifinal berth
Florida, July 12
England captain Harry Kane said the Three Lions still have room for improvement despite reaching the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Kane revealed that head coach Thomas Tuchel congratulated the players after the match but also stressed that England could raise their level further in the tournament.
"[Tuchel] just said there in the changing room, obviously, wow, massive congratulations, and we should enjoy it and celebrate," Kane told ITV, as quoted by The Athletic.
"But he still feels like there's a part of him that knows we can do better, which in a way is a good thing. If we're in a semi-final of a World Cup knowing we can still improve, still find another level, then yeah, we've got to take that as a positive," he added.
After England's win, England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side were fortunate to come away with a victory over Norway.
"We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today. The result is fantastic - we're in the last four - but I'm not happy with the performance. We got lucky today. We need to play better. We will get better, we need to get better," Tuchel said after the match, as quoted by FIFA.
Kane also highlighted the team's resilience, saying England had repeatedly shown the mentality required to succeed in knockout football.
"We have the most important ingredients as a team, we showed that again today. If we can just start ticking a little bit better with the ball, with possession, then yeah, we've got a couple of big games ahead," Kane told ITV, as quoted by The Athletic.
England came from behind to defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time and secure a place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Jude Bellingham starred with both goals, scoring a first-half stoppage-time equaliser before netting the winner in extra time to complete the comeback.
Norway had taken the lead through Andreas Schjelderup, while a second-half goal from Torbjorn Heggem was ruled out following a VAR review.
Bellingham was named Player of the Match as England advanced to face either defending champions Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also became England's most-capped goalkeeper in World Cup history with his 18th tournament appearance.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Bellingham is simply phenomenal. Two goals, including a clutch equaliser and extra-time winner at just 22 years old? The kid is a generational talent. Kane may be the captain, but Bellingham is the heartbeat of this team now. England have real depth, unlike some other top sides.
While I'm happy for England, I wonder how many Indian fans actually got to watch this match live given the time zone difference. Our football federation should take notes on how to build a national team culture. England had a golden generation for years that underperformed, now they're consistently reaching semis. India needs that kind of long-term planning, not just quick fixes. 👀
Tuchel being honest about getting lucky is refreshing. In modern football, too many managers talk in clichés. He's right though - if England can maintain their resilience while improving possession and control, they could actually go all the way. Pickford reaching 18 World Cup caps for England is a huge milestone too. The banter era England team would have crumbled under that Norway pressure.
Norway deserved more from that match. VAR can be so frustrating sometimes - that disallowed goal was controversial. But credit to England for never giving up. This is why knockout football is the best. Watching from Bangalore at 3am with a cup of chai, totally worth it! ☕🇮🇳
Tuchel's honesty aside, I think England have been overhyped as usual.
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