Trump joins critics of Tuchel, questions Harry Kane's defensive role

US President Donald Trump has joined the wave of criticism directed at Thomas Tuchel, the head coach of the England football team, over his defensive approach against Argentina, questioning the "unusual" way the England manager deployed his golfing friend Harry Kane.

The British news agency PA Media reported that reactions continue following England's collapse and 2-1 defeat to their traditional rivals in the World Cup semi-final last Wednesday, with fans and analysts widely criticising the coach's tactics and substitutions during the match in Atlanta.

Trump surprised everyone by joining the critics of Tuchel, as the England team prepares to face France later on Saturday in the third-place play-off, instead of playing the final against Spain.

The US President expressed particular surprise at the way the German coach used his captain Harry Kane, who revealed last week that he played a round of golf with him about 18 months ago in the state of Florida.

Trump said in a press conference: "You have a great player in England that I played golf with. You know that, right? It's Harry, and he was great."

He added: "I think they maybe made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. What do I know about football? They took the lead, then they took their best player and put him in defence."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino laughed alongside Trump, who shrugged his shoulders and then clapped after his comments.

Trump continued: "We have to be more attacking, right? But I won't judge."

He affirmed: "In the end, what do I know about coaching? But what happened was a bit strange, and Harry is truly a great guy."