Trump questions Kane's 'defensive' role in semi-final loss

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Trump questions Kane's 'defensive' role in semi-final lossImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Harry Kane has scored six goals in the 2026 World CupByAndy CryerBBC Sport Senior JournalistPublished17 minutes agoUnited States President Donald Trump has joined criticism of England's tactics in their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, by questioning Harry Kane's second-half "defensive" role. Manager Thomas Tuchel's second-half substitutions have been criticised by pundits and supporters following the 2-1 defeat, as Argentina scored two late goals to set up Sunday's final against Spain (20:00 BST). Sport reported on Thursday how a number of key players had been left disappointed at how England were instructed to finish the game having taken the lead through Anthony Gordon.

Tuchel reverted to a back five and made a number of defensive-minded substitutions in the closing stages as Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback. "You have a great player in England who I've played golf with. And he is Harry who has been fantastic," said Trump.

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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.

"We got to be a little offensive, right. But no, I'm not going to call it, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual.

"Tuchel was quick to brush off Trump's criticisms when mentioned to him in a news conference later. Speaking at Trump Tower during a reception on Friday, the president also spoke about the moment he asked Fifa to review USA striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension. Balogun, 25, was set to miss his side's last-16 tie against Belgium after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.

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But Fifa made the shock decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, leading to widespread criticism. Trump said: "This has been a tournament like no other. Filled with fierce competition, unforgettable moments.

Probably the most unforgettable is when they gave that gentleman... "And I was forced to call Gianni . I said 'Gianni, I'd like to make a recommendation.

Let the guy in the game! ' No, I didn't say that. I said I'd like to wage a complaint.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.