Jamie Carragher thinks two England players are frustrated with Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup

Football
29 Jun 2026 • 1:06 AM MYT
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Jamie Carragher believes Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are frustrated with the way Thomas Tuchel's tactics are at the World Cup.

The former Liverpool defender suspects both players harbour private frustrations about the setup, despite their individual contributions following the victory over Panama.

Kane, in particular, may feel the current system is preventing him from maximising his influence on matches.

Carragher, writing in The Telegraph, dismisses the familiar criticism that Kane's tendency to retreat from the penalty area undermines England's attacking threat, calling it overly simplistic.

The striker's reduced pace has evolved his playing style, moving him away from constantly occupying positions on defenders' shoulders.

Kane possesses exceptional intelligence in finding space and ranks among England's finest distributors, equally adept at delivering incisive passes as finishing chances.

Carragher believes that the genuine tactical concern arises when multiple teammates attempt to occupy identical areas between opposition lines.

This creates congestion in dangerous spots while also reducing the number of runners willing to stretch defences with their movements.

Image from: Jamie Carragher thinks two England players are frustrated with Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup
Jamie Carragher thinks Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are frustrated with Thomas Tuchel's tactics | Source: PA

The former England defender notes this problem plagued Gareth Southgate's previous tournament selections and has persisted under Tuchel's management throughout the current competition.

The statistics from recent matches paint a concerning picture of Kane's restricted involvement.

During the opening 45 minutes against Panama, England's captain managed just a single touch inside the opposition penalty area.

His overall contribution in that half amounted to merely 10 touches of the ball.

Image from: Jamie Carragher thinks two England players are frustrated with Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup
Kane has struggled to get involved in England's last couple of games | Source: REUTERS

The Ghana fixture proved similarly limiting, with Kane registering only 20 touches across the entire match.

Carragher argues these figures demonstrate how England are constraining their most potent attacking asset, a key forward capable of influencing games in numerous ways.

Against Panama, Tuchel's deployment of two advanced midfielders meant Morgan Rogers and Bellingham were seeking possession in precisely the zones Kane naturally gravitates towards.

Nico O'Reilly frequently drifted into these same areas, while Declan Rice had created similar congestion in earlier fixtures.

Image from: Jamie Carragher thinks two England players are frustrated with Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup
Despite Carragher's concerns, Kane and Bellingham both contributed with goals | Source: REUTERS

Carragher suggested repositioning Rice into a deeper double pivot alongside Elliot Anderson as a potential remedy when the Arsenal midfielder returns to the starting lineup.

Anderson appeared vulnerable against Panama, as opponents launched numerous counterattacks that a superior team would have converted into goals.

Deploying Rice in a more withdrawn role could facilitate improved connections between Kane and Bellingham.

Carragher warned that without greater contributions from supporting players, England risk an early departure from the tournament.

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