Donald Trump has joined the chorus of criticism aimed at Thomas Tuchel after England's World Cup semi-final defeat, questioning why Harry Kane was asked to play a defensive role in the second half. The US president, speaking at Trump Tower on Friday, took aim at the tactics that saw England surrender a 1-0 lead to Argentina, who scored two late goals to reach Sunday's final against Spain.
"You have a great player in England who I've played golf with. And he is Harry [Kane] who has been fantastic," Trump said, standing alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. "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."
“Trump mocks England's tactics, questioning Harry Kane's defensive role after World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.”
England had gone ahead through Anthony Gordon before Tuchel reverted to a back five and made defensive-minded substitutions. Lionel Messi then inspired a dramatic comeback, leaving pundits and supporters questioning the manager's decisions. Trump continued: "We got to be a little offensive, right. But no, I'm not going to call it, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual."
Tuchel brushed off Trump's remarks in a later news conference. The defeat leaves England to contest the third-place play-off against France on Saturday, a match FIFA calls the 'bronze final'. England have reached this stage twice before, in 1990 and 2018, but have never won it.
Trump also addressed his intervention in a separate FIFA disciplinary matter. The president revealed he had asked Infantino to review a one-match suspension for USA striker Folarin Balogun, who was shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. FIFA made the shock decision to suspend the ban for 12 months, allowing Balogun to play in the last-16 tie against Belgium, which the USA lost.
"This has been a tournament like no other," Trump said. "Filled with fierce competition, unforgettable moments. Probably the most unforgettable is when they gave that gentleman... is it a red card? And I was forced to call Gianni. I said 'Gianni, I'd like to make a recommendation. Let the guy in the game!' No, I didn't say that. I said I'd like to wage a complaint."
Trump thanked Infantino and described the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, as "the most successful sporting event, maybe in the history of the world". Infantino responded that the tournament had "exceeded expectations". With Argentina and Spain preparing for the final, England face the familiar task of lifting themselves for a consolation match that has historically eluded them.