Harry Kane hails England's 'complete togetherness' ahead of World Cup semi-final after Jude Bellingham comments - 'Easy to create division'

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Harry Kane says there is "complete togetherness" in the England squad as they prepare for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina, amid potential tension between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel after the victory over Norway.

'Can't solely rely on Messi' - Pickford alert to Argentina's 'other strengths'

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Goalscorer Bellingham, who is now level with Kane on six goals at the World Cup, questioned Thomas Tuchel's post-match claim that the performance against Norway was not good enough.

Asked about the manager's comments on ITV, the midfielder said: "Yeah, well, whatever. It's difficult out there - it's a tough shift."

There has since been speculation of a potential rift between Bellingham and Tuchel, but Kane rubbished such suggestions.

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"When you are playing a game like that and to be asked a question five minutes after the final whistle, and he didn't really know what had been said, what do you want Jude [Bellingham] to say?" he told BBC Sport.

"We had just been through a battle. It is easy to try and create this division - it seems like an English thing to do at these major tournaments.

"But it is the complete opposite. The group is where we are because of our complete togetherness - not just the players, the coach and the staff. Things sometimes get made out to be more than they are."

Tuchel has regularly called for improvements from England throughout the tournament, and Kane praised the German's candid personality.

"He [Tuchel] wears his heart on his sleeve and people appreciate that. When he talks, it is never scripted. That is what makes him who he is," Kane said.

"When it just comes natural 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."

England will hope Tuchel can create a tactical plan to stop the reigning world champions on Wednesday night.

Lionel Messi, who has never played against The Three Lions, will be the particular focus of attention as England look to make a first World Cup final since 1966.

Manchester City left-back Nico O'Reilly will be tasked with keeping Messi quiet, and he said he is relishing the challenge.

"I can't wait," O'Reilly told BBC Radio 5 Live. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He's coming towards the end of his career.

"For me personally, he's the best player to ever touch a football pitch. And yeah, I can't wait for the challenge."

Messi is now the World Cup's record goalscorer and his eyes on the Golden Boot, having netted eight goals in six games so far.

But England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford insisted Argentina have plenty of other threats.

"We all know how good Messi is but we also know how good Argentina are," he said. "We can't solely rely on [stopping] Messi.

"We've got to focus on their other strengths and the weaknesses we can take advantage of."

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