Donald Trump questioned Thomas Tuchel’s decision to use his ‘golf partner’ Harry Kane in a deeper defensive role during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat / Image: X
Criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina has reached an unexpected source, with United States President Donald Trump questioning the England coach’s decision to field captain Harry Kane in a deeper defensive role during the closing stages of the match.England looked set to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute in Atalanta. However, Tuchel changed his team’s shape as Argentina increased the pressure, switching to a five-man defense before eventually finishing the match with six known defenders on the pitch.A tactical shift allowed the defending champions to dominate possession in the closing stages. Lionel Messi led the comeback, setting up Enzo Fernandes’ equalizer in the 85th minute before providing another assist for Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time goal, as Argentina recorded a dramatic 2-1 win to book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.The way England collapsed has sparked widespread debate among supporters and critics, and now Trump has added his voice to the discussion.
Trump questions Kaine’s deeper role
Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino during a FIFA event at Trump Tower on Friday, Trump referred to his previous meeting with England captain Harry Kane before questioning the tactical adjustments made after England took the lead.Trump and Kaine previously talked about playing a round of golf together in West Palm Beach about 18 months ago.
“You have a great player in England, I played golf with him. You know that, right? Harry, who was great,” Trump said.“I think they may have made a mistake when they made him a defensive player.“What do I know about football? They took the initiative, took their best player and put him on defense.“We have to be a bit aggressive, don’t we? But I wouldn’t call it that. What do I know about training? It’s been unusual, but Harry’s a great guy, actually.”
According to ESPN, despite the criticism surrounding England’s exit, Tuchel continues to retain the support of the Football Association and is expected to remain in charge until Euro 2028.
Tuchel rejects criticism of Kane’s positioning
Trump’s comments were put directly to Tuchel during England’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s third-place match against France.The England manager initially responded with good humor before staunchly defending his tactical style and Kane’s role.Tuchel replied: “Are you using Donald Trump as a witness in the case or…? I was just asking.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel answers a question during a press conference on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida, before the FIFA World Cup third-place match against France. (AP Photo/Lynn Sladky)
When asked further about Kane appearing to play deeper after England took the lead, Tuchel dismissed the suggestion.“In what situation did Harry play so deep? What do you mean? Like in the last 30 minutes?“Well, we defended in a deep block. That’s what you do if you defend in a deep block. We weren’t active enough, we couldn’t escape the deep block, but if you defend in a deep block, everyone defends in a deep block.“This is what team spirit, teamwork and mentality translate into in football terms.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel, top left wearing a black jersey, talks to the team during a hydration break during the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
The German coach stressed that the defensive approach adopted by England represents a collective responsibility and not individual tactical instructions targeting Kane specifically.“We defend as 10 and as 11, and if we are pushed back into a deep block, Harry defends into a deep block.“That’s what he did for a few moments in the first half. The difference is we dropped back and got out and found the trigger to get out of the deep box.“But we do everything together as a team. The team spirit, togetherness and mentality that this team has built in the last six and a half weeks cannot be questioned and it has shown even in defence.”However, Tuchel acknowledged the point where England failed after taking the lead.“We became very negative in the last 30 minutes. We couldn’t get possession, we couldn’t find tackles anymore. That’s the next step we want to take and from there we go.”England is now looking to end its World Cup campaign on a positive note when it faces France in the third-place match on Saturday, while Argentina prepares to face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.