Thomas Tuchel Claps Back At Donald Trump Questions England's Tactics

Published 18 July 2026 · us

Thomas Tuchel Claps Back At Donald Trump Questions England's Tactics Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 21:27 IST Donald Trump questioned Thomas Tuchel's tactics

Thomas Tuchel Claps Back At Donald Trump Questions England's Tactics Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 21:27 IST Donald Trump questioned Thomas Tuchel's tactics after England's World Cup semi-final collapse, prompting the Three Lions boss to defend Harry Kane's role and his defensive setup. Rapid Read England's head coach Thomas Tuchel (AP) Thomas Tuchel’s tactical decisions against Argentina have been dissected by pundits, fans and former players ever since England’s World Cup semi-final collapse. Now, the criticism has reached the White House. US President Donald Trump became the latest unlikely voice to question Tuchel’s approach after England surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 against Argentina in Atlanta, booking the defending champions a place in Sunday’s World Cup final. Trump Questions Kane’s Defensive Role Speaking during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower on Friday, Trump admitted he was “no expert" on football but still felt England became far too defensive after Anthony Gordon’s opener. The US president specifically pointed to England captain Harry Kane, whom Trump revealed he played golf with around 18 months ago.

“You have a great player in England, who I played golf with — you know that, right? Harry, who’s been fantastic," Trump said. “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 defense. “We have got to be a little offensive, right? But no, I’m not going to call it. What do I know about coaching? It was unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually." Trump’s comments echoed the widespread criticism aimed at Tuchel after England retreated into a defensive shell following Gordon’s 55th-minute goal. Argentina dominated possession thereafter before Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez completed the comeback in stoppage time. Tuchel Responds Trump’s remarks were put directly to Tuchel during his press conference ahead of England’s third-place playoff against France. The England manager initially responded with a smile. “Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case or…?

I was just asking." He then defended both his tactics and Kane’s positioning, insisting the striker was simply following the team’s defensive shape. “In which situation did Harry play too deep? What do you mean? Like in the last 30 minutes?" Tuchel asked. “Well, we defended in a deep block. That’s what you do if you defend in a block. You defend in a block. “We were not active enough, we could not escape the deep block but if you defend in a deep block, everyone defends in a deep block. “We defend as a 10 and as 11, and if we are pushed back to a deep block, Harry defends in a deep block." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will Tuchel change England's tactics after this criticism? I cannot predict whether Thomas Tuchel will change England's tactics. Tuchel has defended his tactical decisions after England's World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, stating he has "no regrets".