Criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s dramatic World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina has reached an unlikely source, with United States President Donald Trump questioning the England manager’s decision to deploy 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 Atlanta. However, Tuchel altered his side’s shape as Argentina increased the pressure, switching to a back five before eventually finishing the match with six recognised 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 equaliser in the 85th minute before delivering another 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 manner of England’s collapse has prompted 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 referenced his previous meeting with England captain Harry Kane before questioning the tactical adjustments made after England took the lead.Both Trump and Kane have previously spoken about playing a round of golf together in West Palm Beach around 18 months ago.“You have a great player in England, who I played golf with. You know that, right? Harry, who’s been fantastic,” Trump said.“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player.“What do I know about soccer? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence.“We have got to be a little offensive, right? But I’m not going to call it. What do I know about coaching? It was unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually.”According to ESPN, despite the criticism surrounding England’s exit, Tuchel continues to retain the backing of the Football Association and is expected to remain in charge through to Euro 2028.
Tuchel rejects criticism of Kane’s positioning
Trump’s remarks 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 humour before firmly defending both his tactical approach and Kane’s role.“Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case or…? I was just asking,” Tuchel replied.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel responds to a question during a news conference Friday, July 17, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla., ahead of their third-place World Cup soccer match against France. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
When questioned further about Kane appearing to play too deep after England took the lead, Tuchel rejected the suggestion.“In which 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 were not active enough, we could not escape the deep block, but if you defend in a deep block, everyone defends in a deep block.“That is what team spirit, togetherness, and mentality is translated to in football terms.”
England head coach Thomas Tuchel, top left in black shirt, talks 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 11, and if we are pushed back to a deep block, Harry defends in a deep block.“This is what he did for moments in the first half. The difference is that we pushed back and we stepped out and we found the triggers 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 built in the last six and a half weeks is not to be questioned and it showed even in defending.”Tuchel did, however, acknowledge where England fell short after taking the lead.“We became too passive in the last 30 minutes. We could not get hold of the ball, we could not find duels anymore. This is the next step that 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 in Saturday’s third-place playoff, while Argentina prepare to meet Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.