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United States President Donald Trump has chimed in on England’s World Cup elimination, tearing into Thomas Tuchel for his ‘unusual’ tactics.
Trump has taken centre stage on more than one occasion this World Cup, none more famously than when he intervened to have Folarin Balogun’s red card suspended via a chat with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
He had also spoken about playing a round of golf with England captain Harry Kane, and went on to analyse the forward’s positioning against Argentina in the Three Lions’ semi-final defeat.
Trump said, speaking on Friday at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower: ‘You have a great player in England, who I played golf with – Harry, who’s 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 in defence.’ At that point, Infantino, who was laughing along by Trump’s side, sarcastically clapped.
The President continued: ‘We have got to be a little offensive, right? But what do I know about coaching? It was unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually.’
Donald Trump (left) has criticised Thomas Tuchel’s ‘unusual tactics’ in England’s defeat by Argentina this week
Trump questioned why Tuchel (centre) had ‘put him (Kane) in defence’ in the closing stages
Kane confirmed last week that he played golf with Trump, describing the experience as ‘pretty surreal’.
Trump has revealed that the pair had previously played a round together, telling reporters: ‘I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer too. He’s really great.’
England’s star player, who said that the round happened 18 months ago in Florida, admitted he is envious of Trump’s impressive golf game at the age of 80.
‘I played alright to be honest, but 18 months ago he invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach,’ Kane, 32, said ahead of England’s win over Norway.
‘So when the President invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him.
‘His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure. A unique experience, but I was just grateful that he invited me to play.’
Trump waxed lyrical about the England captain after he played a pivotal role in the Three Lions’ historic 3-2 win over Mexico in the round of 16, scoring what proved to be the winner from the penalty spot.
Hours before the US President flattered him in the Oval Office, he posted on social media: ‘Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!’
Kane confirmed last week that he went for a round of golf with the President 18 months ago
But he didn’t seem too impressed by the defensive attitude England had against Argentina after going ahead.
Thomas Tuchel has received backlash for his approach and substitutions after Anthony Gordon had opened the scoring, later blaming the result on England’s ‘DNA’.
Kane, though often drops deeper when England are in possession, found himself with plenty of defending to do in the closing stages – something the President didn’t seem to agree with.
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