Trump questions Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit: ‘They put their best player on defence’

United States President Donald Trump has joined the growing chorus of criticism against England manager Thomas Tuchel, questioning the German coach’s tactical decisions following England’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

Speaking at a FIFA reception held at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump took aim at Tuchel’s second-half approach—particularly the deployment of England captain Harry Kane in a deeper role after the Three Lions had taken the lead.

“You have a great player in England, who I played golf with,” Trump said, referencing his round with Kane in West Palm Beach approximately 18 months ago. “He is Harry, who’s been fantastic. I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player”.

“They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence,” Trump added, shrugging and applauding his own remarks as Infantino chuckled beside him. “We have got to be a little offensive, right? What do I know about coaching? It was unusual”.

England had seized a 1-0 lead through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike in Atlanta. But Tuchel responded to mounting Argentina pressure by switching to a back five and eventually finishing the match with six recognised defenders on the pitch. The tactical retreat proved costly—Lionel Messi orchestrated a stunning comeback, setting up Enzo Fernández’s 85th-minute equaliser before providing the assist for Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner.

The defeat, which ended England’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966, has sparked intense debate over Tuchel’s substitutions. The German coach withdrew two forwards and introduced defenders in the final half-hour, forcing England to sit deep while Kane remained on the field.

When Trump’s criticism was put to Tuchel during England’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s third-place playoff against France, the manager responded with sharp dismissal.

“Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case…?” Tuchel replied.

He went on to defend Kane’s positioning as a natural consequence of the team’s defensive setup rather than any tactical error. “We defend as a 10 and as 11, and if we are pushed back to a deep block, Harry defends in a deep block,” Tuchel insisted. “That is what team spirit, togetherness, and mentality is translated to in football terms”.

Tuchel acknowledged his side became “too passive” in the final 30 minutes but stood by his decisions. “It is our scar that we carry, as coach, as players. It is a very painful defeat which we have to carry”.

Despite the backlash, reports indicate Tuchel retains the full backing of the Football Association and is expected to remain in charge through Euro 2028. England now face France in the third-place match on Saturday, while Argentina prepare for Sunday’s final against Spain.