Kane as a defender? Trump criticizes Tuchel’s tactics after World Cup exit | OneFootball

Harry Kane is receiving prominent support following England’s bitter World Cup exit. U.S. President Donald Trump lavished praise on the Bayern striker while also suggesting that Thomas Tuchel had not used his captain optimally in the semifinal against Argentina.

Donald Trump also watched the dramatic semifinal between England and Argentina—and was subsequently surprised by the Three Lions’ tactical approach in the closing stages.

From the U.S. president’s perspective, Harry Kane was positioned too far from the opponent’s goal.

“They were leading, and then they put their best player in defense. We’ve got to be at least a little bit offensive, right? But what do I know about coaching,” Trump said Friday at a press conference at Trump Tower in New York.

Trump Praises Kane After Strong World Cup Performance

In addition to his indirect criticism of Thomas Tuchel, Trump had nothing but praise for the Bayern striker. Kane had played an outstanding tournament, he said. “The Bayern star was fantastic at this World Cup,” the U.S. president explained, adding, “We played golf together once; he’s a great guy.”

The two already know each other personally. Kane had reported a few days ago that Trump had invited him to play golf in Palm Beach about 18 months ago.

“It was a pretty surreal experience,” the England captain said of the meeting. “He plays, to be honest, pretty well. I hope I can still play as well as he does when I’m his age.”

Tuchel Takes the Reins

Photo: IMAGO

England had led Argentina 1-0 until shortly before the end, before the South Americans turned the game around. Thomas Tuchel responded in the closing stages with several defensive substitutions, which subsequently drew a lot of criticism.

The former Bayern coach nevertheless defended his decisions. “I don’t regret anything; I tried to help my team. I trusted my experience, my instincts, and my competitive spirit,” Tuchel explained.

At the same time, he made it clear that he takes responsibility for the elimination: “If you need someone to blame, I’m the head coach.”

While Tuchel was reflecting on the defeat, Harry Kane likely took at least some pleasure in the praise from such a prominent source. Despite the team’s elimination in the semifinals, the Bayern striker was among the standout players of the World Cup.