Harry Kane backs Thomas Tuchel to succeed as England head coach
By Sky News, July 20, 2026England captain Harry Kane has backed Thomas Tuchel to succeed as England head coach amid criticism of his tactics in the World Cup semi-final defeat over Argentina.
Tuchel’s decision to try and maintain a slender 1-0 lead by switching to a back five after the final hydration break led to widespread fury as the Three Lions failed to hang on following sustained Argentina pressure.
The feeling was compounded further as England came out on top of a 10-goal thriller in the third-place play-off against France, seeing them secure their highest World Cup finish since 1966 and record their best finish on foreign soil.
In the aftermath of the defeat last Wednesday, Kane admitted that the decision to try and hold on had backfired. However, he has now publicly backed Tuchel to learn from England’s elimination and succeed as he guides the team towards Euro 2028.
“He’s a big reason why we are here,” Kane told Sky Sports. “He’s a big reason why we claimed our highest finish in 60 years.
“There are a lot of ‘what ifs?’ after the other night and it’s going to take time to process it. For him as well. Just because he is one of the best coaches in the world doesn’t mean he is going to get it right every time. The players on the pitch are the same. We all make mistakes and we have to try and improve.
“The fans have the right to be angry. I think Thomas knew more than anyone when he took the job it was going to be high pressure and high stakes.
“He nearly took us all the way, and he didn’t. People are going to try and place blame; that’s part and parcel of our job.
“I think he needs time to process it all. It’s been a crazy journey. A lot of ups and obviously the one big down. It’s his first tournament as well. He’s learnt from the players, the pressure, the environment, the travelling.
“That will only make us better for the future.”
World Cup 2030
While there is a European Championships to contend with first, Kane is also hopeful he will have a part to play come the 2030 World Cup.
The Bayern Munich striker will be 36 when the tournament starts in four years’ time, but having broken the record for most World Cup goals for an Englishman this summer, the skipper hasn’t ruled out still being involved.
“I’m coming off the back of my best season ever (ranking among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or,) and I’m turning 33. It’s impossible to say, four years is such a long way away.
“I’ve said it before, playing for England is my biggest ambition. I feel as good as I’ve ever felt. Let’s see. I never put a limit on these things. As long as I’m performing the way I am, then I’ll be representing England. But, four years is a long time. I’m not getting carried away.