By Tom Down
Jamie Carragher thinks England are relying on two world-class players in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham – saying they are ‘not yet a team’.
The suggestion comes following England’s 2-0 victory over Panama in their final group stage game of the 2026 World Cup as the Three Lions advanced to the knockout stages.
Bellingham tucked in a corner before giving an assist to Kane, making the pair the stand-out performers of the match.
Carrying the team?
In an article for the Telegraph, Carragher said: “Thomas Tuchel knew when he took the England job he would be blessed with two world-class players.
“He couldn’t be sure if he could create a great England side.
“As he prepares for the World Cup knockout rounds, nothing has changed.
“Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have once more demonstrated why they play for two of the biggest clubs on the planet.
“That is why they carried our hopes heading to the United States, and why further progress is so dependent on their form.”
Nothing new
Carragher suggested that Kane and Bellingham are getting used to rising to the occasion on the international stage.
He said: “Not for the first time in their international careers, when the pressure was on, Kane and Bellingham stepped up and delivered.
“The duo are now responsible for five of our six goals in the tournament, with Kane reaching new landmarks with every strike.
“His 70th of the season makes him the country’s record World Cup goalscorer.”
Doubting the squad
Suggesting that the duo may not feel as though they have the best set-up around them, Carragher said: “As Kane and Bellingham returned to the team hotel after inspiring victory over Panama, rightly hearing the personal accolades and contemplating what’s next, I wondered if they privately believed they could offer even more to this side in the right set-up.
“My suspicion is they both feel frustrated by large aspects of the three matches so far, even if they have been encouraged by their own key contributions.
“That applies to Kane, especially.”
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