Trump questions Tuchel's tactics and role of Kane in semifinal defeat
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 1:03 AM
Last updated Jul 18, 2026
Donald Trump criticized Thomas Tuchel's coaching during England's 2-1 loss to Argentina in a World Cup semi-final match. Trump, who noted his friendship with England captain Harry Kane, found it strange that Tuchel played Kane in a defensive role after taking the lead. The loss has sparked significant discussion among fans and pundits about Tuchel's strategies. England will face France in a match for third place this Saturday.
- •England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.
- •Donald Trump questioned Tuchel's use of Harry Kane in a defensive position.
- •Tuchel's tactics have drawn criticism from fans and analysts.
- •England will play France for third place on Saturday.
- 4:28 AMThe Guardian Sport — Tuchel defiant in face of criticism over decisions in England exit: ‘I have no regrets’
- 3:03 AMYahoo Sports — Trump adds to Tuchel criticism by questioning Kane role
- 2:19 AMYahoo Sports — Trump questions Kane's 'defensive' role in semi-final loss
- 2:12 AMBBC Sport — 'They made him a defensive player' - Trump questions Kane role in loss
"Head coach refuses to engage in ‘blame game’ after defeat by Argentina Trump joins critics of Tuchel’s tactics in World Cup semi-final elimination Thomas Tuchel has insisted he is not interested in engaging in the “blame game” over England’s World Cup elimination and vowed to close the gap on the leading nations. Even Donald Trump has joined criticism of Tuchel’s tactics in the semi-final defeat by Argentina, with the US president questioning why he made Harry Kane “a defensive player” as England attempted to hold on to a 1-0 lead. But before the third-place playoff against France in Miami on Saturday night that was described by Tuchel as “the match no one wants to play in”, England’s head coach defiantly stood by his decisions and said that he and his players must learn from their experiences. Continue reading...
"Donald Trump joined the chorus of criticism over Thomas Tuchel's defence-minded approach against Argentina as the US president questioned the England manager's "unusual" use of his golf buddy Harry Kane. The inquest into Wednesday's late 2-1 World Cup semi-final collapse to their bitter rivals is well under way, with fans and pundits alike panning the head coach's tactics and substitutions in Atlanta.
"US President Donald Trump joins criticism of England's tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, by questioning Harry Kane's second-half "defensive" role.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJul 18, 2026, 4:28 AMTuchel defiant in face of criticism over decisions in England exit: ‘I have no regrets’
Head coach refuses to engage in ‘blame game’ after defeat by Argentina Trump joins critics of Tuchel’s tactics in World Cup semi-final elimination Thomas Tuchel has insisted he is not interested in engaging in the “blame game” over England’s World Cup elimination and vowed to close the gap on the leading nations. Even Donald Trump has joined criticism of Tuchel’s tactics in the semi-final defeat by Argentina, with the US president questioning why he made Harry Kane “a defensive player” as England attempted to hold on to a 1-0 lead. But before the third-place playoff against France in Miami on Saturday night that was described by Tuchel as “the match no one wants to play in”, England’s head coach defiantly stood by his decisions and said that he and his players must learn from their experiences. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJul 18, 2026, 3:03 AMTrump adds to Tuchel criticism by questioning Kane role
Donald Trump joined the chorus of criticism over Thomas Tuchel's defence-minded approach against Argentina as the US president questioned the England manager's "unusual" use of his golf buddy Harry Kane. The inquest into Wednesday's late 2-1 World Cup semi-final collapse to their bitter rivals is well under way, with fans and pundits alike panning the head coach's tactics and substitutions in Atlanta.
- Yahoo SportsJul 18, 2026, 2:19 AMTrump questions Kane's 'defensive' role in semi-final loss
US President Donald Trump joins criticism of England's tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, by questioning Harry Kane's second-half "defensive" role.
- BBC SportJul 18, 2026, 2:12 AM'They made him a defensive player' - Trump questions Kane role in loss
US President Donald Trump joins criticism of England's tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, by questioning Harry Kane's second-half "defensive" role.
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