Trump hails Harry Kane as ‘great player’ after England’s Mexico thriller

Donald Trump has praised Harry Kane as a “great player” after the England captain’s penalty proved decisive in a dramatic 3-2 World Cup last-16 win over Mexico in Mexico City. The US president took to his Truth Social platform to hail the striker following one of the most remarkable results in England’s World Cup history.

Kane converted from the spot in the 60th minute at the Azteca Stadium after Anthony Gordon was fouled by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel, restoring England’s advantage in a fixture that swung wildly in both directions. It was Kane’s sixth goal of the tournament and the 14th of his World Cup career.

A chaotic night in the Mexican capital

Thomas Tuchel’s side had raced into an early lead thanks to a quick-fire brace from Jude Bellingham, only for Julián Quiñones to reduce the arrears for the co-hosts just before half-time. England were reduced to ten men in the 54th minute when right-back Jarell Quansah was sent off, adding to the drama before Kane’s penalty put the visitors 3-1 up.

Mexico were handed a route back into the contest soon afterwards when Kane fouled Brian Gutierrez inside the England box, with Raul Jimenez converting the resulting penalty to make it 3-2 after 69 minutes. Down to ten men and under sustained pressure, England held firm to secure their passage into the quarter-finals, where they will face Erling Haaland’s Norway.

Trump’s second World Cup intervention

Writing on Truth Social, Trump posted: “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!” It marks the latest occasion on which the US president has weighed in on the World Cup, which is being co-hosted partly in the United States.

Trump had previously been reported to have contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of a suspension handed to USA striker Folarin Balogun, who was sent off during his side’s last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina for an apparently accidental collision with defender Tarik Muharemovic. FIFA’s disciplinary committee subsequently confirmed it had applied article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the card, meaning Balogun would only serve a ban if he committed a similar offence within 12 months.

Trump welcomed that decision at the time, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” The Associated Press had reported that he telephoned Infantino after the Balogun incident to request the review.

England’s win over Mexico is being widely regarded as one of the finest away results in the Three Lions’ history, given the hostile atmosphere at the Azteca and the fact they played more than half the match with ten men. Attention now turns to their quarter-final meeting with Norway.

Read more: Where does England’s stunning Mexico win rank among their greatest away results?