1 month ago
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HARRY KANE warned England’s players that Thomas Tuchel will not shy away from confrontation in his bid to win the World Cup.
The Three Lions skipper worked under Tuchel at Bayern Munich last season and says the German will bring high energy, tactical brilliance and a straight-talking motivational style when he takes over in the new year.
Getty
GettyTuchel, 51, lasted just over a year at the Allianz Arena, falling out with some players and the club hierarchy as Bayern failed to win the Bundesliga for the first time in 11 seasons.
And while Kane welcomed Tuchel’s appointment, he admits some team-mates will not like the new England chief’s abrasive style.
Kane said: “He’s really disciplined in what he wants and won’t shy away from confrontation if need be.
“He is pretty straight in how he talks and maybe there were some players [at Bayern] who didn’t like or agree with that.
“But each coach has their own way of trying to talk to players, to criticise players, to motivate players, so not every player is going to love the new manager.
He will be very straight-talking in the media and won’t ever shy away from things.
“Probably come March, there will be players who might disagree with some things.
“In every team, every player has opinions — but ultimately the way he wants to get us playing will be exciting and I’m looking forward to reuniting with him.”
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Kane, 31, says Tuchel loves working with English players and also believes they will appreciate the energy that the new manager brings.
The Three Lions talisman said: “He really enjoys working with English players — well, he liked me and Eric Dier!
“But talking to the boys who worked with him at Chelsea, they got on well with him. He likes the mentality of English players.
“He has a great balance of having a relaxed environment but when it comes to work, he’s just really passionate and energetic.
“From my experience last year, he did a lot around togetherness and motivational stuff.
“Whether that’s videos or speeches, he’s just a really good motivator. Tactically, he’s known for being one of the best — but it’s also the energy he brings.
“It will be interesting for him because he will experience only having ten-day camps and then not seeing us for a few months.
“In those ten days, he will want to bring as much energy as possible.
“He gets that balance right of having a relaxed environment when you’re not training, with a bit of banter and a joke, but when you’re on the pitch it is full focus.
“For international football, having that energy in short bursts is really important, especially when you get to major tournaments and you’re away for six weeks.”
Kane says Tuchel’s personality will bring a significant change to the calm approach of Gareth Southgate’s eight-year reign.
The captain said: “We know Gareth had a great way of keeping everyone together but he and Thomas are different in the way they approach training and tactics.
“Everyone has their own stamp and I’m talking about working with Thomas every day at Bayern — so it might be different when you’re seeing him every few months.
“I’m hoping that, come March, it will be a real injection of energy to lead us up to the World Cup.”
Kane admits the announcement of Tuchel’s appointment last month came as a shock.
GettyForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointment
WITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.
That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.
The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.
RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.
Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.
The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.
Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.
They exchanged texts back then but will wait until after today’s final Nations League fixture against Ireland to discuss England together.
The Bayern striker explained: “It was a surprise when it got announced. I didn’t know it was going to be him.
“After he left Bayern I assumed he’d go back into another club — but it was a good surprise as I’ve worked closely with him and know how good he can be.”
Asked why Tuchel had not succeeded at Bayern, Kane replied: “Many reasons. I think he found it difficult from the moment he got to Bayern.
Results weren’t terrible and we were very close to reaching a Champions League final. But there were some bigger issues that didn’t quite work out at Bayern.
“It was a shame to see him go as he was a big reason I joined Bayern. I had a great season personally and scored a lot of goals.”
Kane was in straight-talking mode himself earlier this week when he slammed some England team-mates who have cried off from international duty.
He returns to the starting line-up today after interim boss Lee Carsley named him on the bench for Thursday’s 3-0 win in Greece.
And Kane added: “It was just my opinion England is really important.
“After a major championship, these September, October and November camps get forgotten a bit in terms of how important they are.
“If we win against Ireland it sets us up really well for the year ahead.
“These camps build that culture and togetherness that leads you into a World Cup. It was just a reminder playing for England is really special.
“It’s one of the greatest things that I do as a player — and I always do it whenever I’m available.”
England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benched
IT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.
Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…
Jordan Pickford – 8
Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.
Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.
Kyle Walker – 7
Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.
Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.
Marc Guehi – 7
Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.
Ezri Konsa – 7
One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.
Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.
Rico Lewis – 7
Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.
Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Curtis Jones – 9
Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.
Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.
Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.
Noni Madueke – 9
A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.
He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.
Jude Bellingham – 8
Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.
Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.
Ollie Watkins – 7
The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.
Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.
Subs
Lewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7
Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.
Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6
Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.
Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8
Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.
Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7
Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.
Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7
Cutback for Jones was on the money.
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