Harry Kane targeted in Trump’s attack on Tuchel’s World Cup tactics

England captain Harry Kane became the unexpected focus of criticism after Donald Trump questioned Thomas Tuchel’s decision to move him into a deeper defensive role during the World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina.

What happened in Atlanta?

England led 1-0 through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike in Atlanta. Tuchel responded to Argentina’s pressure by switching to a back five and finished the match with six recognised defenders on the pitch. Lionel Messi orchestrated the comeback, assisting Enzo Fernández’s 85th-minute equaliser and Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner as Argentina won 2-1 on 13 Jul 2026. The defeat ended England’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966.

Why Trump singled out Harry Kane

Trump, who has played golf with Kane around 18 months earlier, questioned the tactical shift after England took the lead. “I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player,” Trump said at a FIFA event in Trump Tower on 17 Jul 2026. “We have got to be a little offensive, right? But I’m not going to call it. What do I know about coaching? It was unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually.”

How Tuchel responded

Tuchel faced questions about Kane’s positioning ahead of England’s third-place playoff against France on 18 Jul 2026. “Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case or…?” Tuchel replied with humour before defending his approach. “In which situation did Harry play too deep? What do you mean? Like in the last 30 minutes? We defended in a deep block. That’s what you do if you defend in a block,” Tuchel said. “That is what team spirit, togetherness, and mentality is translated to in football terms.”

What comes next for England and Kane

Despite the criticism, Tuchel retains the backing of the Football Association and is expected to remain in charge through to Euro 2028. England’s focus now turns to the third-place playoff against France on 18 Jul 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.