PRESIDENT Donald Trump has taken a swipe at Thomas Tuchel’s use of Harry Kane against Argentina, claiming the England captain was turned into a “defensive player”.
Speaking at Trump Tower alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino, America’s Commander-in-Chief said it was “a little unusual” to see striker Kane deployed in that way.
President Trump with Fifa chief Gianni Infantino Credit: Getty
England boss Thomas Tuchel has been widely criticised for his defensive tactics against Argentina Credit: Alamy
England chucked away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 against the reigning champions on Wednesday, with Lionel Messi creating two late goals to break English hearts.
Boss Tuchel has been heavily criticised for going very defensive early on in the second half and trying to sit on the one-goal advantage before it blew up in his face.
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Captain Kane had previously scored six goals in the tournament but appeared to play much of the game from a very deep position.
President Trump, who played a round of golf with Kane 18 months ago, observed: “You have a great player in England who I played golf with, Harry. He’s been fantastic.
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“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. What do I know about soccer?
“They took the lead, they took their best player and put him on defence. Then somehow…
“But what do I know about coaching. That was a little unusual.
“But Harry is a great guy, actually.”
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Trump’s comments drew laughs from the conference he was speaking to, including from Infantino.
It was part of a Fifa reception at Trump Tower to reflect on the tournament, which Infantino described as the “greatest human, social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed”.
The Swiss supremo told Trump: “Your administration, every single person in the White House, in the administration, in the cities, in the states, everywhere contributed to create this safe and secure and joyful environment to live something that the world has never seen.
“This has not just been and 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 seen.”
Infantino added that there have been “full stadiums” and that “the American Dream has become reality.
The administrator has come under heavy fire for Fifa handing USA striker Folarin Balogun a suspended ban after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It followed a call from Trump to Infantino about the punishment and Balogun was allowed to play in the next knockout game against Belgium, which the USA lost 4-1.
On that incident, Trump added that “I was forced to call Gianni and just make a recommendation,” before arguing the decision ultimately worked out because “there’s no controversy.”
The USA co-hosted this summer’s World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
But Trump had a suggestion to Infantino for a future tournament, commenting: “You should choose the United States of America (for a World Cup) again, this time we’ll leave Mexico and Canada out.”
