Kane backs Tuchel to learn from England's World Cup exit

Harry Kane has backed Thomas Tuchel to learn from England's World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina, saying the manager will take a lot from the pressures of managing at the tournament. The England captain also argued that the forthcoming Nations League campaign must be used to build experience against leading teams.

England finished third at the tournament, their best result at a World Cup on foreign soil, after a 6-4 victory over France on Saturday. Kane was an unused substitute in that match.

What happened

Tuchel's side led Argentina 1-0 in the semi-final before the manager switched to a back five in an attempt to protect the advantage. The change drew heavy criticism as England were eliminated. Tuchel had signed a contract extension before the tournament began.

Kane has since described the current squad as the best England group he has known for togetherness, a point he raised while reflecting on the campaign and the manner of the exit.

Why it matters

The semi-final defeat reopened questions about England's approach in knockout matches against elite opposition, particularly the decision to defend a lead rather than continue with the shape that had taken them that far. Kane's backing of Tuchel suggests the dressing room remains behind the manager as the squad turns to its next competitive fixtures.

• England finished third, their best World Cup result on foreign soil
• They lost their semi-final to Argentina after leading 1-0
• Tuchel was criticised for switching to a back five during that game
• Kane was an unused substitute in the 6-4 win over France
• Tuchel signed a contract extension before the tournament

What's next

Kane's focus is now on the Nations League, which he sees as the opportunity for England to gain familiarity with the standard of opposition they will meet in the later stages of major tournaments. The fixtures give Tuchel a chance to refine his approach away from the knockout pressures that defined the semi-final.

How England perform in that campaign will shape the wider assessment of Tuchel's tenure, with the next major tournament the longer-term benchmark for a squad that came closer than any previous England side has on foreign soil.