U.S. President Donald Trump criticized England's defensive approach following their 2-1 World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina on July 15, saying striker Harry Kane was turned into a defensive player. Trump made the remarks at a FIFA event in New York alongside federation President Gianni Infantino.
Anthony Gordon gave England a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute, but manager Thomas Tuchel shifted to a back five, substituting on defenders Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn. Lionel Messi then provided two key assists, with Enzo Fernández equalizing in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez scoring the winner seven minutes later.
Tuchel took full responsibility but said he does not regret his decisions and will adjust for Saturday's third-place playoff against France. England lost both previous third-place matches after semifinal defeats in 1990 and 2018. Argentina faces Spain in Sunday's final.