Tuchel Rebuts Trump's 2-1 World Cup Critique Over Kane's Deep Role
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 18
Tuchel Rebuts Trump's 2-1 World Cup Critique Over Kane's Deep Role
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 18
Summary
At a Miami press conference before Saturday's third-place game, Thomas Tuchel brushed off Donald Trump's criticism of England's semifinal tactics, jokingly questioning the U.S. president as a witness.
Trump had said at a FIFA reception in Trump Tower that England erred by turning Harry Kane into "a defensive player" after taking a 1-0 lead against Argentina.
Tuchel replied that Kane's positioning reflected the whole team's retreat into a deep block during the final 30 minutes, arguing that when England defended deep, all 10 outfield players did the same.
That setup came under heavy scrutiny after Argentina overturned England's lead with two late goals in a 2-1 semifinal win, with Tuchel already defending the approach and accepting responsibility.