The ramifications of England's World Cup defeat to Argentina lingered throughout the summer, with senior players holding grievances over Thomas Tuchel's instructions for the closing stages. After Anthony Gordon gave England a 55th-minute advantage, Enzo Fernandez struck an equaliser with five minutes left, before Lautaro Martinez headed in a stoppage-time winner. Several players believed the approach was too negative and defensive.
During the squad discussion, captain Harry Kane was strong and forthright, while Jude Bellingham was particularly candid in arguing that England's current crop was man-for-man superior to Argentina and capable of taking the game to them. Bellingham's contribution underlined his growing influence, with many believing the Real Madrid midfielder will become captain once Kane is no longer in the picture.
England have bounced back emphatically, scoring 12 goals without conceding in three fixtures against the Czech Republic and Croatia, barring the 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley. Tuchel says his relationship with Bellingham is now in a good place. England host Croatia on Thursday and travel to Madrid to face world champions Spain on Sunday.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing