The White House has thrown its support behind England in the World Cup semifinals, making it clear which team the administration is pulling for as the tournament heads into its final stages.
With Spain set to face France and England taking on Argentina for a spot in the championship match on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, the U.S. men's national team's early exit has left a void that the White House is filling with a clear favorite.
After the USMNT's disappointing 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 — marking their earliest exit since 2002 despite stars like Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun — White House advisor Andrew Giuliani has adopted England as his team. Giuliani, who heads the White House's World Cup task force, told the Daily Mail that he's rooting for the Three Lions to go all the way.
"You know, if the United States can't win on our 250th birthday, then a great storyline would be the English coming to America and winning during our anniversary celebrations," Giuliani said. "It's been 60 years of hurt I gather for England, so that would be beautiful victory for them if they won the tournament."
The support extends beyond just patriotic sentiment. Giuliani highlighted England's star players, particularly Harry Kane, who recently praised President Trump. "Harry Kane is the number one goal scorer for the England team, and if they are going to win the tournament, he will be the main reason. He is one of the main players on the team, and he and Jude Bellingham are fine athletes," Giuliani added.
Giuliani also praised England's overall balance, saying, "England strike me as being an exceedingly well-balanced team you have to be confident and what the coach has to drill it into them that they have the potential to win."
The White House's endorsement comes as the World Cup has captivated American audiences, with Europeans admitting they were wrong about America hosting the tournament. The semifinal matchups promise intense drama, with England and Argentina clashing on Wednesday for a place in the final.
While the USMNT's early exit was a blow, the White House's backing of England adds an intriguing political layer to the tournament. Whether Kane and Bellingham can deliver on that support remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the administration has made its choice.
