‘Their Best Player Was On Defence’: Trump Questions England's Tactics, FIFA Boss Nods | Watch

Published 18 July 2026 · sports

‘Their Best Player Was On Defence’: Trump Questions England's Tactics, FIFA Boss Nods | Watch Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 11:32 IST Donald

‘Their Best Player Was On Defence’: Trump Questions England's Tactics, FIFA Boss Nods | Watch Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 11:32 IST Donald Trump criticized England's defensive tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, specifically coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to move Harry Kane to defense US President Donald Trump targets England's flaws against Argentina in FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final To the long list of critics of England’s tactics in the World Cup semi-final they lost to Argentina can now be added Donald Trump. The US president on Friday took a gentle swipe at coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to adopt defensive tactics after England took the lead against Argentina on Wednesday. Speaking at a reception in New York alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump mentioned England captain Harry Kane, with whom he shared a round of golf in Florida 18 months ago. “You have a great player in England, who I played golf with, Harry," Trump said.

“They perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. What do I know about soccer?" 🚨🚨🎙️| Donald Trump on Harry Kane and Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach:pic.twitter.com/RuVGAK2lHa— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 17, 2026 “They took the lead, and they took their best player, and they put him on defence. We got to be a little offensive, right? What do I know about coaching" England coach Thomas Tuchel was heavily criticised for withdrawing two forwards and putting on defenders in the last half hour of the game against Argentina, meaning England had to sit back although Kane stayed on the field. Lionel Messi exploited the space and provided the assists that led to the two Argentine goals that sent the South Americans into the final. Tuchel repeated on Friday that he stood by his tactical decisions. “No, I don’t regret my decision. I thought we had become too passive," Tuchel said. “I was trying to help the team." England may have to wait another four years to chase a second star after their 1966 triumph, but they still led the betting odds.

Notably, the four semi-finalists, also the top four teams in the FIFA rankings, attracted the most attention. (With AFP Inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will England change tactics for future World Cups? I cannot make predictions about future tactical changes. Donald Trump criticized England's defensive tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, specifically coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to move Harry Kane to defense. How might Trump's comments influence football discussions? Donald Trump has influenced football discussions by questioning England's defensive tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, specifically coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to move Harry Kane to defense. Could defensive play cost teams major tournaments? Donald Trump criticized England's defensive tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, suggesting it was a mistake to move Harry Kane to defense after taking the lead.