'They made him a defensive player' - Trump questions Kane role in semi

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that US President Donald Trump has added to criticism of England’s tactics after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina, focusing on Harry Kane’s role during the second half. Speaking at a reception at Trump Tower on Friday, Trump said he thought England may have erred by using Kane in a more defensive capacity after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon, while also acknowledging he was not a football coach.

The match turned late when Argentina, driven by Lionel Messi, scored twice to reach Sunday’s final against Spain. England manager Thomas Tuchel had switched to a back five and introduced more defensive-minded substitutes in the closing stages. BBC Sport says pundits, supporters and some key players have questioned how England were instructed to close out the game. Tuchel later dismissed Trump’s comments when they were raised at a news conference.

Trump also discussed his intervention over USA forward Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension. Balogun had been due to miss a last-16 tie against Belgium, but Fifa suspended the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, a decision that drew criticism. Trump said he contacted Fifa president Gianni Infantino about the case, while Infantino has previously denied that the disciplinary decision was influenced by Trump and said the process was independent.

BBC Sport’s analysis says Trump’s latest remarks may intensify concerns about possible political interference in Fifa’s disciplinary process. The article also notes the close public relationship between Trump and Infantino, alongside broader debates over the expanded 2026 World Cup, including record revenues, high fan costs, commercial changes and visa-related controversies.