Criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactics following England’s dramatic World Cup defeat to Argentina has reached an unlikely source, with United States President Donald Trump questioning the England manager’s decision to send the captain. Harry Kane in a deep defensive unit during the final moments of the game.England look set to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions 1-0 ahead in the 55th minute in Atlanta. However, Tuchel changed his team’s style as Argentina increased the pressure, making five changes at the back before finishing the game with six defenders known on the pitch.Technical changes allowed defenders to dominate in the late stages. Lionel Messi he orchestrated the comeback, setting up Enzo Fernandez’s 85th-minute equalizer before providing another assist for Lautaro MartÃnez’s winner as Argentina won 2-1 to book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.How the fall of England has caused controversy among supporters and experts, and Trump has now added his voice to the discussion.
Trump doubts Kane’s depth
Speaking to FIFA president Gianni Infantino at a FIFA event in Trump Tower on Friday, Trump recalled his previous meeting with England captain Harry Kane before asking about the technical changes England have led.Both Trump and Kane have previously talked about playing golf together in West Palm Beach about 18 months ago.“You have a great football player in England, who I played golf with. You know, right? Harry, who has been interesting,” Trump said.“I think maybe they made a mistake when they made him a defensive player.“What do I know about football? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him in defense.”“We’ve got to hurt a bit, don’t we? But I wouldn’t call it that. What do I know about coaching? It was weird, but Harry’s a big guy, really.”According to ESPN, despite being criticized for leaving England, Tuchel continues to have the support of the Football Association and is expected to remain in charge until Euro 2028.
Tuchel refuses to challenge Kane’s position
Trump’s comments were made directly to Tuchel at a press conference in England ahead of Saturday’s third-round tie against France.The England manager gave a humorous response before strongly defending his approach and Kane’s role.“Are you using Donald Trump as your witness in the case or…? I just asked,” Tuchel said.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel answers a question during a press conference Friday, July 17, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla., during their third World Cup soccer match against France. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Asked again about Kane appearing to play deep after England took the lead, Tuchel dismissed the idea.“How seriously did Harry play? What do you mean? Like the last 30 minutes?”“Well, we defended deep. That’s what you do when you defend in a block. We didn’t do enough, we couldn’t escape the deep block, but when you defend deep, everybody defends deep.“This is what team spirit, cooperation, and attitude are translated into the words of football.”
England head coach Thomas Tuchel, left, wearing a black shirt, speaks to the team during halftime during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
The German coach was convinced that England’s defensive style was a part of Kane’s brilliant coaching.“We defend as a 10 and 11, and when we’re pushed deep, Harry defends deep.“That’s what they did for a couple of minutes in the first half. The difference is that we got back and forth and we got triggers to get out of the deep block.“But we do everything together as a team. The team spirit, the unity, the attitude that this team has developed in the last six and a half weeks cannot be questioned and they showed it even in defence.”Tuchel admitted where England failed after taking the lead.“We didn’t do anything in the last 30 minutes. We couldn’t hold the ball, we couldn’t find duels. This is the next step we want to take and from there we go.”England will now look to finish their World Cup campaign on a positive note when they face France on Saturday in the third round, while Argentina are set to face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
