“Why defend him?” Donald Trump questions Tuchel’s use of his ‘golf partner’ Harry Kane

Donald Trump questioned Thomas Tuchel’s decision to use his ‘golf partner’ Harry Kane in a deeper defensive role during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat / Image: X Criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat by 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 put the Three Lions 1-0 up in the 55th minute in Atlanta. However, Tuchel changed the shape of his team as Argentina increased the pressure, switching to a back five before eventually finishing the game with six recognized defenders on the pitch.A tactical shift allowed the defending champions to dominate possession in the closing stages. Lionel Messi mounted the comeback, setting up Enzo Fernández’s equalizer in the 85th minute before adding another assist for Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner as Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 win to book their 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 previously talked about golfing together in West Palm Beach about 18 months ago.“You have a great player in England that I played golf with. You know that, right? Harry, who was fantastic,” Trump said.“I think maybe they made a mistake by making him a defensive player.“What do I know about football? They took the lead, took their best player and put him on defense.”“We have to be a little offensive, don’t we? But I won’t call it that. What do I know about coaching? It was unusual, but Harry’s actually a great guy.”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 until Euro 2028.

Tuchel rejects criticism of Kane’s placement

Trump’s remarks were delivered directly to Tuchel during England’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s third-place play-off against France.The England manager initially reacted with humor before firmly defending both his tactical approach and Kane’s role.“Are you using Donald Trump as your witness for the case or…? I was just asking,” Tuchel replied.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel answers a question during a news conference Friday, July 17, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida, ahead of their World Cup third-place match against France. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

When further questioned about Kane playing 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 when you defend in a block. We weren’t active enough, we couldn’t escape a deep block, but when you defend in a deep block, everybody defends in a deep block.”“That’s what translates into team spirit, togetherness and mentality in football.”

England head coach Thomas Tuchel, top left, in black shirt, talks to the team during a hydration break during the World Cup soccer quarterfinal between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, 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 back into the deep block, Harry defends in the deep block.“That’s what he did for moments in the first half. The difference is we pushed back and stepped out and found triggers coming off the deep block.”“But we do everything together as a team. There’s no doubting the team spirit, the togetherness, the mentality that this team has built over the last six and a half weeks, and it showed defensively as well.”However, Tuchel acknowledged where England fell short after taking the lead.“We became too passive in the last 30 minutes. We couldn’t get hold of the ball, we couldn’t find tackles anymore. This is the next step we want to take and we’ll 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 play-off, while Argentina prepare for Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.