Criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina has come from an unlikely source, with US President Donald Trump questioning the England manager’s decision to deploy the captain. Harry Kane in a deeper defensive role during the final 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 Atlanta. However, Tuchel changed his team’s shape as Argentina increased the pressure, switching to a back five before finishing the match with six recognized defenders on the pitch.The tactical change allowed the defending champions to dominate possession in the closing stages. Lionel Messi he orchestrated the comeback, setting up Enzo Fernández’s 85th-minute equalizer before providing another assist for Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner as Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 win to book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.The manner of England’s collapse has sparked widespread debate among supporters and pundits, and Trump has now added his voice to the discussion.
Trump questions Kane’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.Both Trump and Kane spoke before playing a round of golf together in West Palm Beach about 18 months ago.“You have a great player in England, who I played golf with. You know that, right? Harry, that’s been great,” 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 on defense.“We’re going to be a bit offensive, aren’t we? But I didn’t call it. What do I know about coaching? It was unusual, but Harry is a great man, 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 stance
Trump’s remarks were put directly at Tuchel during England’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s third-place playoff against France.The England manager initially responded with humor before strongly defending his tactical approach and Kane’s role.“Are you using Donald Trump as your witness for the case or…? I just asked,” Tuchel replied.
England coach Thomas Tuchel answers a question during a press conference Friday, July 17, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla., before their World Cup third-place soccer match against France. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
When questioned further about Kane appearing to play too deep after England took the lead, Tuchel dismissed the suggestion.“In what situation did Harry play too 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 block. We weren’t active enough, we couldn’t escape the deep block, but if you defend in a deep block, everybody defends in a deep block.“That’s what team spirit, togetherness and mentality is translated into football terms.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel, top left in black shirt, speaks to the team during a hydration break 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 stressed that England’s defensive approach was a collective responsibility rather than an individual tactical instruction aimed specifically at Kane.“We defend as a 10 and as an 11, and if we are pushed to a deep block, Harry defends in a deep block.“That’s what he did for moments in the first half. The difference is that we pushed back and we pulled away and we found the triggers to get out of the deep block.“But we do everything together as a team. The team spirit, the unity, the mentality that this team has built in the last six and a half weeks should not be questioned and it showed even in the defense.”Tuchel did, however, recognize where England fell short after taking the lead.“We became too passive in the last 30 minutes. We couldn’t take the ball, we couldn’t find more duels. This is the next step we want to take and from there we go.”England will now look to end their World Cup campaign on a positive note when they face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff, while Argentina prepare to face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.