England vs DR Congo: Can Kane and Bellingham perfect their connection?
Ahead of the World Cup round of 16, England look for further evidence that the Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham partnership has truly clicked.
Harry Kane et Jude Bellingham lors du match Panama-Angleterre (0-2), samedi dernier. (P. Lahalle/L'Équipe)
England are preparing for their World Cup round of 16 clash against DR Congo this Wednesday, with all eyes on the evolving partnership between Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. While signs of progress have emerged, the chemistry between the two stars remains a work in progress.
During the match against Panama, Bellingham provided a precise assist for a Kane goal, echoing moments of elite creative synergy. Historically, their national team collaboration has been hindered by overlapping roles, with Kane often dropping into Bellingham's preferred space, creating tactical congestion—a dynamic that was particularly evident during Euro 2024.
Since Thomas Tuchel took the helm in January 2025, he has implemented a more structured approach, granting Bellingham greater freedom to operate without stifling the captain. Bellingham recently praised Kane as the greatest English player of all time. Yet, Opta data suggests that their passing frequency on the current stage remains lower than it was during their 2024 campaign in Germany.
A potential point of friction lies in Tuchel's contrasting management styles. While the coach publicly praises Kane as a fantastic teammate, he continues to apply pressure on Bellingham, frequently highlighting competition from Morgan Rogers. This difference in treatment could potentially impact the budding symbiosis between the two leaders, leaving the question of their long-term effectiveness on the pitch still open.