Donald Trump's World Cup chief has backed Argentina's right to celebrate their victory over England with a controversial banner claiming the Falkland Islands. Argentina's players unfurled the banner after their 2-1 win in Atlanta, which read in Spanish: "The Falkland Islands are Argentinian."
White House Official Defends Celebration
Sky Sports correspondent Rob Harris asked White House World Cup chief Andrew Giuliani if Argentina's players were wrong to use the stadium celebrations to assert sovereignty over the islands. Giuliani responded, "We believe in our first amendment rights," adding, "I think this is going to be an unbelievable final and in terms of the ability to make those statements, they have the ability to do that." The United States maintains a long-standing position of neutrality on the Falklands issue.
England's World Cup Heartbreak
In the match, England suffered a 2-1 defeat after squandering a 1-0 lead late on. Manager Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for his substitutions, but he has stated his intention to stay on as Three Lions head coach for Euro 2028.
Rooney Weighs in on Tuchel's Future
Former England captain Wayne Rooney backed Tuchel to remain as head coach despite the World Cup exit, but suggested the FA should pursue Pep Guardiola if available. "I don't see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola. If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him," Rooney told the BBC. He praised Tuchel as a top-class manager who learns from mistakes, but noted a lack of World Cup experience. "The World Cup is different and you need to feel that environment and now he's felt it," Rooney added.
Contract Controversy
Rooney also questioned the FA's decision to give Tuchel a two-year contract before the World Cup, saying, "It's a little bit strange if its priority was to win the World Cup, but then you get a two-year contract before you actually go to the World Cup."
