Criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s dramatic World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina has reached an unlikely source, with United States President Donald Trump questioning the England manager’s decision to send a captain. Harry Kane in a deeper defensive role during the closing stages of the game.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 side’s shape as Argentina ramped up the pressure, switching to a back five before the game ended with six recognized defenders on the pitch.The tactical shift allowed the defending champions to dominate possession in the closing stages. Lionel Messi orchestrated the comeback, setting up Enzo Fernández’s 85th-minute equalizer before providing an assist for Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner as Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 victory to book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.The way England collapsed has prompted widespread debate among supporters and pundits, and Trump has now added his voice to the discussion.
Trump questioned Kane’s deeper role
Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at a FIFA event at Trump Tower on Friday, Trump referred to his previous meeting with England captain Harry Kane before questioning tactical changes made after England took the lead.Trump and Kane previously talked about playing a round of golf together in West Palm Beach about 18 months ago.“You have a great golfer in England, who I played golf with. You know that, right? Harry, who’s amazing,” Trump said.“I think maybe they made a mistake when they made him a defensive player.“What do I know about soccer? They were leading, and they took their best player and put him on defense.“We’re supposed to be a bit offensive, aren’t we? But I wouldn’t call it that. What do I know about coaching? It’s weird, but Harry’s a good guy, actually.”According to ESPN, despite the criticism surrounding England’s exit, Tuchel continues to maintain the support of the Football Association and is expected to remain in charge until Euro 2028.
Tuchel rejected criticism of Kane’s position
Trump’s comments were put directly to Tuchel during England’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s third-place playoff against France.The England manager initially responded with laughter before strongly defending his tactical approach and Kane’s role.“Are you using Donald Trump as your witness in the case or…? I’m just asking,” Tuchel replied.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel answers a question during a news conference Friday, July 17, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla., before their third-place World Cup soccer match against France. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
When asked about Kane appearing to play deeper after leading England, Tuchel dismissed the suggestion.“In what situation did Harry play deep? What do you mean? Like the last 30 minutes?“Well, we defended the deep block. That’s what you do when you defend a block. We weren’t active enough, we couldn’t escape the deep block, but when you defend the deep block, everybody defends the deep block.“That’s team spirit, togetherness, and mentality translated into football terms.”
England head 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 emphasized that England’s defensive approach is a collective responsibility rather than an individual tactical instruction aimed at Kane.“We defend as a 10 and as an 11, and if we get put back on a deep block, Harry defends on a deep block.“This is what he did in the moments of the first half. The difference is that we came back and we came out and we found reasons to come out of the deep block.“But we do everything together as a team. The team spirit, the togetherness, the mentality that this team has built in the last six and a half weeks should not be questioned and it shows even in defense.”However, Tuchel acknowledged where England fell after taking the lead.“We became too passive 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 we will go from there.”England will now look to end their World Cup campaign on a positive note when they face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, while Argentina prepare to meet Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.