Trump questions England's tactics in World Cup loss, recounts FIFA call

United States President Donald Trump has weighed in on England's World Cup semi-final defeat, criticizing manager Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions. Trump specifically questioned the decision to deploy star player Harry Kane in a "defensive" role during the second half of the match, which saw England lose 2-1 to Argentina after conceding late goals.

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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, and they took their best player and put him on defence.

"You have a great player in England who I've played golf with. And he is Harry [Kane] who has been fantastic," Trump said. "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 also shared his experience of contacting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to appeal a one-match suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun had received a red card and was set to miss a crucial match, but FIFA later suspended the ban for 12 months. Trump described his call to Infantino as a "recommendation" to "let the guy in the game," suggesting it was a positive outcome that avoided controversy.

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Gianni, I'd like to make a recommendation. Let the guy in the game!

Speaking at a reception at Trump Tower, the president lauded the World Cup hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. He described it as "the most successful sporting event, maybe in the history of the world." FIFA President Infantino echoed these sentiments, stating the tournament had "exceeded expectations" and united the world.

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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.