Trump Questions Tuchel’s Tactics, Harry Kane’s Defensive Role in Semi-Final Loss

• US President Donald Trump has weighed in on England’s World Cup semi-final defeat, questioning Thomas Tuchel’s tactics to deploy Harry Kane in a more defensive role as Argentina staged a dramatic comeback.

United States President Donald Trump has criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach during the Three Lions’ 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, questioning the decision to push captain Harry Kane into a defensive role late in the game.

England appeared on course for the final after Anthony Gordon gave Tuchel’s side the lead, but Lionel Messi inspired Argentina’s late comeback with two dramatic goals, sending the defending champions into Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

The defeat has sparked widespread debate over Tuchel’s second-half tactics, particularly his decision to switch to a back five and introduce several defensive-minded substitutions while protecting a narrow lead.

Speaking during a reception at Trump Tower on Friday, President Trump said he was surprised to see England’s captain playing so deep.

“You have a great player in England who I’ve played golf with. And he is Harry Kane, who has been fantastic,” Trump said.

“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence.

“We’ve got to be a little offensive, right? But what do I know about coaching? That was a little unusual.”

Tuchel later dismissed Trump’s comments when asked about them during a press conference.

The US president also reflected on his controversial intervention during the tournament involving American striker Folarin Balogun, whose automatic one-match suspension was later overturned by FIFA.

Trump revealed that he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino after Balogun received a straight red card, although he joked that he merely “made a recommendation” rather than influencing the final decision.

He described the tournament as one of the greatest sporting events ever staged and praised FIFA’s leadership for delivering what he called an outstanding World Cup.

Infantino, in turn, hailed the tournament as a historic success, saying it had “exceeded expectations” and united football fans from around the world.