Harry Kane has acknowledged that England still needs to improve and achieve greater control in their performances, supporting manager Thomas Tuchel's assessment. The Three Lions are preparing to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
Tuchel had expressed dissatisfaction with the team's technical performance following their quarter-final victory over Norway, a match where Norway dominated for significant periods. Kane agreed with the manager's evaluation, stating that the team knows it can play better and has another level to reach.
"We know we can improve and we know we can play better," Kane said. "When he (Tuchel) sees us train, sees the closeness of us and sees what we can do, especially with the players we have, the way we attack, our one-on-ones and the skills, he just wants to see that version of us (in a game)."
Kane emphasized that while the team shows glimpses of its potential, it has not yet displayed the consistent full control desired. "We haven't had the full control that we would like and I feel we can have," he added.
Despite the critique, Kane defended the team's desire and determination, which have been crucial in their journey to the semi-finals. He highlighted the team's commitment, including defensive efforts and attacking moments, as well as Jude Bellingham's crucial two goals against Norway.
"Ultimately, we are in a semi-final of the World Cup and that has not always been the case for this national team, so we have to enjoy it," Kane stated. He described the current era as "extremely successful" for the national team and expressed the team's ambition to finally win a major trophy.
"We want to get over the line. That is the missing piece now. We're knocking on the door. We're getting to these semi-finals and finals. It's a big week. We've got eight days left of this tournament. We've been together six weeks and shown every bit of desire for the badge and we're going to need an even bigger push now for the last week or so."
England's path to the semi-final included a hard-fought victory against Norway. They will now face Lionel Messi's Argentina in Atlanta.