World Cup LIVE: Harry Kane weighs in on England row as Gianni Infantino departs

Harry Kane has stepped into the middle of an England dressing-room debate, insisting Thomas Tuchel is doing his best to extract the maximum from his players despite Jude Bellingham’s visible frustration after the dramatic win over Norway. The Three Lions captain’s intervention comes as FIFA faces fresh criticism over its handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, a decision that has drawn condemnation from UEFA and drawn global attention away from the pitch.

What sparked the row between Tuchel and Bellingham?

The tension surfaced immediately after England’s stoppage-time victory over Norway, which secured their place in the semi-finals. Reports suggest Bellingham was irritated by Tuchel’s post-match comments, which appeared to question the intensity of England’s performance despite the dramatic late winner. Kane, however, moved quickly to defend his manager, telling assembled media that Tuchel is “trying to drag” the best out of his players through rigorous demands rather than easing pressure. The captain’s public backing underlines the delicate balance Tuchel must strike between challenge and cohesion as England push toward a potential final.

The backdrop to the exchange is a World Cup knockout stage already reshaped by controversy. FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban—originally issued for a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina—has triggered a political and sporting backlash. The suspension was reportedly overturned solely by the chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee, without consultation from the full panel of 18 members. The move, reportedly influenced by a request from the US President, has drawn sharp rebukes from UEFA, which accused FIFA of “crossing a red line” in a strongly worded statement.

Why the timing matters for England and FIFA

For England, the semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday represents a pivotal moment in their campaign, with the potential to reach a World Cup final for the first time since 1966. Tuchel’s man-management will be scrutinised closely, especially after the Bellingham incident highlighted differing expectations within the squad. Kane’s public endorsement of Tuchel’s approach suggests an attempt to close ranks, but the optics of a high-profile player appearing frustrated cannot be ignored.

For FIFA, the Balogun case has escalated into a governance crisis that risks overshadowing the tournament’s final stages. UEFA’s accusation that FIFA breached its own disciplinary protocols strikes at the heart of the sport’s regulatory credibility. The episode also raises questions about the independence of judicial decisions in football’s governing bodies, particularly when political figures become involved. With the semi-finals approaching, FIFA’s reputation is now as much under the microscope as the teams taking the field.

What comes next for England and the competition

England’s path to the final hinges on their ability to manage internal dynamics while maintaining tactical discipline. Tuchel’s methods may be polarising, but Kane’s defence of his manager signals a united front—at least publicly. The semi-final against Argentina will test both the squad’s resilience and Tuchel’s man-management, with the added pressure of a potential national celebration if victory is secured.

Off the pitch, FIFA’s governance crisis shows no sign of abating. The European governing body’s intervention has sharpened the divide between UEFA and FIFA, while the Balogun case has exposed vulnerabilities in the disciplinary process. As the World Cup hurtles toward its climax, the sport’s administrative fractures risk overshadowing the on-field drama.

With France facing Spain in the first semi-final on Tuesday, the stage is set for a weekend of high-stakes football. England’s focus, however, remains squarely on the task ahead—and on keeping internal debates from derailing their historic run.