Donald Trump is not exactly shy about sharing his opinions — on politics, business, or apparently, England football tactics. The US President weighed in on England's 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to France, specifically questioning whether Harry Kane was deployed correctly by manager Thomas Tuchel. It was the kind of commentary that had football fans doing a double take, though it got plenty of people talking.
Trump Questions the Tactics
According to reports from Sky Sports, Trump made comments suggesting England's use of Kane in the semi-final was questionable. England lost to France 2-1, with Kane scoring a penalty but ultimately being left frustrated by limited service in the final third. Trump, who has been visible throughout this World Cup as a host nation co-organiser, seemed to suggest England should have done more to involve their captain and all-time top scorer.
Whether Trump was reading from a tactical briefing or simply going off what he saw is anyone's guess. But the fact that even the US President noticed Kane's relative isolation in the match suggests the criticism has some grounding.
Was Kane Really Played Differently?
The numbers tell a nuanced story. Kane completed 90 minutes, touched the ball regularly, and won England a crucial penalty — but he was often found drifting deep to collect possession, which is more a reflection of England's limited creativity in the final third than any deliberate decision to leave him out of the game plan. France's backline, marshalled superbly by Dayot Upamecano, was rarely exposed to Kane in and around the box.
Critics would argue that Tuchel could have been more proactive in engineering situations where Kane receives the ball in danger areas. Kane himself has often been more effective as a focal point with runners around him, rather than as the deepest-lying option — yet England lacked the pace and movement to provide that consistently against a defensively solid French side.
Tuchel Holds His Ground
Thomas Tuchel, speaking ahead of England's third-place play-off against France on July 18, pushed back firmly against the notion that Kane was misused. "Harry was involved, Harry scored — we asked a lot from him tonight and he delivered," the England boss said. Tuchel pointed to the broader team structure and France's defensive organisation as the primary reasons England's attack was stifled, rather than any failure to use Kane.
Tuchel also acknowledged that a play-off for bronze is not the ideal situation, but stressed that his players would give everything to finish the tournament on a positive note. Kane, for his part, has spoken about wanting to win something for England before he retires — and while the final slipped away, a bronze medal would at least mark England's best World Cup finish since 1990.
Whatever you make of Trump's footballing opinions, the debate around Kane's usage has been a genuine one throughout the tournament. England face France again in the third-place match tonight — kick-off is at 22:00 — and it will be fascinating to see whether Tuchel makes any tactical adjustments to get more out of his captain.
England face France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday 18 July. Kick-off: 22:00.
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