Kane and Bellingham challenged England's World Cup approach in squad review, BBC reports

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham expressed strong views during an England squad review of their World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina, according to BBC Sport. The broadcaster reported that discussions at the end of September addressed dissatisfaction among some players over how Thomas Tuchel's side approached the closing stages of the match, with every player given an opportunity to speak.

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England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute before Argentina overturned the advantage late on. Enzo Fernandez equalised with five minutes remaining, and Lautaro Martinez headed the winning goal in stoppage time. BBC Sport reported that frustration about the circumstances of that defeat had persisted among members of the squad through the summer.

According to the report, some senior players believed Tuchel's instructions had encouraged an overly defensive approach when England were ahead. Tuchel is understood to have cited the quality of Argentina's players as an important reason for the late turnaround. That explanation was not universally accepted by those taking part in the review, the BBC said, describing disagreement over the team's tactical choices rather than a shared assessment of the defeat.

Kane was reported to have spoken forcefully as captain, while Bellingham was particularly direct in arguing that England possessed enough quality to continue attacking Argentina. BBC Sport said there was a strong belief within the squad that England's players compared favourably with their opponents. Those assessments represent the players' reported views; they do not establish how a different approach would have changed the result.

England had previously protected a narrow advantage successfully at the same tournament. Against Mexico in the last 16, they defended a 3-2 lead to advance to the quarter-finals. The BBC's account contrasted that outcome with the Argentina defeat, explaining why the later approach became a central subject of the squad's discussions.

England lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley in their opening Nations League match in September, but scored 12 goals without conceding across three fixtures against the Czech Republic and Croatia. Tuchel also publicly addressed his relationship with Bellingham last week, acknowledging that it had fluctuated while saying they were now in a good place. He described the midfielder as an influential player and said he enjoyed coaching him.