World Cup: Trump slams Tuchel for adopting defensive tactics in England-Argentina match

United States President Donald Trump has taken a swipe at England coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to adopt defensive tactics in the World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina.

Speaking on Friday at a reception in New York alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump mentioned England captain Harry Kane, with whom he shared a round of golf in Florida 18 months ago.

Trump said: “You have a great player in England, who I played golf with, Harry.

“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 they put him on defence.

“We got to be a little offensive, right? What do I know about coaching?”

Spain coach: How we’ll stop Messi in World Cup final

Tuchel was heavily criticised for withdrawing two forwards and putting on defenders in the last half hour of the game against Argentina, meaning England had to sit back although Kane stayed on the field.

Lionel Messi exploited the space and provided the assists that led to the two Argentine goals that sent the South Americans into the final.

Tuchel repeated on Friday that he stood by his tactical decisions.

“No I don’t regret my decision. I thought we had become too passive. I was trying to help the team,” he said.