Trump questions Kane's 'defensive' role in England semi-final loss

United States President Donald Trump has joined criticism of England's tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, questioning why star striker Harry Kane was deployed in a defensive role during the second half. Manager Thomas Tuchel's substitutions have been widely criticized after England surrendered a 1-0 lead, with Argentina scoring two late goals to secure a 2-1 victory and a place in Sunday's final against Spain.

Trump criticizes Tuchel's defensive approach

Speaking at a reception at Trump Tower on Friday, Trump said: "You have a great player in England who I've played golf with. And he is Harry [Kane] who has been fantastic. 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 defence."

Trump added: "We got to be a little offensive, right. But no, I'm not going to call it, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual."

Tuchel, when informed of Trump's comments during a news conference, brushed off the criticism. The German manager had reverted to a back five and made several defensive-minded substitutions after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, a move that backfired as Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback. BBC Sport reported that several key players were disappointed with the instructions to defend the lead.

Trump's role in Balogun suspension controversy

Trump also addressed his involvement in FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match red card ban. Balogun, 25, was sent off for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the group stage, which would have ruled him out of the USA's last-16 tie against Belgium. However, FIFA made the unusual decision to suspend the automatic ban for 12 months, allowing Balogun to play.

Trump said: "This has been a tournament like no other. Filled with fierce competition, unforgettable moments. Probably the most unforgettable is when they gave that gentleman... is it a red card? And I was forced to call Gianni [Infantino]. I said 'Gianni, I'd like to make a recommendation. Let the guy in the game!' No, I didn't say that. I said I'd like to wage a complaint."

He continued: "And actually I had no idea what was going to happen, but you know it is so much better the way it worked out because there is no controversy. [Belgium] won the game and our team had all of its players. You made another great decision if you think about it, but you'll never get credit for it."

Infantino praises World Cup success

Trump thanked FIFA President Gianni Infantino and described the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, as "the most successful sporting event, maybe in the history of the world." Infantino responded: "The American dream, Mr President, came to reality. We united the world in America. This is not just the greatest World Cup of all times, it is the greatest human, social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed and we are all part of it and for this I thank you very much, Mr President."

Controversy over political interference

Trump's comments praising Infantino for "another great decision" over the Balogun ban have reignited controversy. Infantino has previously denied that Trump's lobbying influenced the decision, insisting that FIFA's disciplinary committee is independent. However, Trump's remarks reinforce suspicions that political interference may have undermined the integrity of the competition. Critics argue that the close relationship between Trump and Infantino weakens FIFA's commitment to political neutrality. The case has sparked a crisis of trust, despite record ticket sales and bumper TV audiences in the US.