Harry Kane admits England fans “have the right to be angry” about their team’s defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals of World Cup 2026.
The Three Lions secured third place in the tournament after a thrilling 6-4 win over France on Saturday night.
Spain were then crowned World Cup champions on Sunday night thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Lionel Scaloni’s tough-tackling Argentina team in extra time.
Lionel Messi was largely a bystander as the Argentines sat back and soaked up constant Spanish pressure, with the final a tame affair compared to the goal-laden game between England and France the day before.
Saka bags hat-trick vs France
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka got the nod from Thomas Tuchel for the third-place play-off, having missed out to new Chelsea signing Morgan Rogers for the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina.
And Saka responded by bagging a hat-trick in a 10-goal thriller with Les Bleus, who were 4-0 down at the break after a blistering first half from Tuchel’s team.
The win over Didier Deschamps’ much-fancied side left England fans ruing what might have been if Tuchel had not been so defensive-minded against the Argentines.
Fans right to be angry
England captain Kane, however, insists the players and Tuchel will learn from the experience, saying on Sky Sports: “There are a lot of ‘what ifs?’ after the other night and it’s going to take time to process it. For him [Tuchel] 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.”
MORE WORLD CUP 2026 NEWS: World Cup 2026: Spain dethrone Argentina in brutal final to claim second title
England’s crazy World Cup journey
Kane continued: “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.”
Tuchel looking forward to Euros
Tuchel, who was appointed head coach in January 2025 after replacing Sir Gareth Southgate, is planning to stay on to lead England at Euro 2028.
The tournament will be co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, and Tuchel told the press: “We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros.
“I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.”
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Best season yet for Kane
Bayern Munich striker Kane is 32 and broke the record for most World Cup goals by an Englishman this summer – and it appears he feels there is still plenty of gas in his tank.
Whether he makes it to World Cup 2030 is yet to be decided, and he added: “I’m coming off the back of my best season ever 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.”
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SportJustSport writers 
Michael Davey