Criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina has reached an unlikely source, with US President Donald Trump questioning the England manager’s decision to deploy the captain Harry Kane Taking on a deeper defensive role late in games.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, as Argentina increased the pressure, Tuchel changed his team’s formation to a back five and ended the game with six recognized defenders on the pitch.A change of tactics allowed the defending champions to dominate possession in the closing stages. Lionel Messi He orchestrated the comeback, setting up Enzo Fernandez’s 85th-minute equalizer before setting up Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner as Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 win and a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.The way England collapsed has sparked widespread debate among supporters and experts, with Trump now joining the discussion.
Trump questions Kaine’s deeper role
Trump, who spoke alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at a FIFA event at Trump Tower on Friday, brought up his previous meeting with England captain Harry Kane and then questioned tactical changes made after England took the lead.Trump and Kaine had previously talked about playing a round of golf together in West Palm Beach about 18 months ago.“There’s a great player in England and I played golf with him. You know that, right? Harry, he’s great,” Trump said.“I think they probably made a mistake when they made him a defensive player.“What do I know about football? They got a lead, they picked their best player and put him on defense.“We have to be a little offended, right? But I wouldn’t say that. What do I know about the coach? It’s unusual, but Harry is actually a great guy.”Despite criticism over England’s exit, Tuchel has retained the FA’s support and is expected to remain in charge until Euro 2028, according to ESPN.
Tuchel rejects criticism of Kane’s position
Trump made the remarks directly to Tuchel during his pre-match press conference ahead of England’s third-place final against France on Saturday.The England manager initially responded with humor before firmly defending his tactical approach and Kane’s role.“Are you using Donald Trump as a witness in this case or…? I’m just asking,” Tuchel replied.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel answers a question during a press conference ahead of England’s World Cup third-place match against France on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynn Slutkey)
When questioned further about Kane appearing to play too deep after England took the lead, Tuchel rejected the suggestion.“At what point did Harry play too deep? What do you mean? Like in the last 30 minutes?“Well, we defended in depth. If you defend in depth, that’s what you do. We weren’t aggressive enough and we couldn’t escape the depth, but if you defend in depth, everyone is going to defend in depth.“That’s team spirit, unity and mentality in football terms.”
England head coach Thomas Tuchel (top left), wearing a black shirt, talks to his team during a hydration break during the World Cup quarterfinal football match between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
The German coach stressed that England’s defensive approach was a collective responsibility rather than personal tactical instructions specific to Kane.“We defended in 10s and 11s, and if we were pushed back deeper, Harry would defend deeper.“That’s what he did in some moments in the first half. The difference is, we counterattacked, we went out there, we found the trigger from deep.“But we do everything together as a team. The team spirit, unity and mentality that this team has built over the last six and a half weeks is unquestionable and it shows even on defense.”However, Tuchel admitted England had shortcomings after taking the lead.“We became too passive in the last 30 minutes. We couldn’t keep the ball, we couldn’t find confrontation anymore. That’s the next step we want to take and go from there.”England will now look to end their World Cup campaign on a positive note when they face France in Saturday’s third-place final, while Argentina prepare to face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.
