Even Donald Trump questions Tuchel's tactics after England's loss to Argentina

Donald Trump has unexpectedly entered the debate surrounding England's World Cup semifinal defeat, sounding more like a football pundit than the President of the United States as he questioned Thomas Tuchel's tactics against Argentina.

England were leading 1-0 after Anthony Gordon's goal but gradually retreated into a deep defensive shape before Argentina scored twice late on to book their place in the World Cup final.

Speaking at a FIFA reception in New York, Trump said he could not understand why England's biggest attacking threat, Harry Kane, ended up defending so deep after taking the lead.

"You have a great player in England, who I played golf with. Harry, who's been fantastic. I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player.

"What do I know about soccer? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence.

"We have got to be a little offensive, right? But I'm not going to call it. What do I know about coaching? It was unusual."

Tuchel was later asked about Trump's remarks and initially laughed them off.

"Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case or...? I was just asking," he replied.

The England boss defended his approach, insisting Kane was only dropping deep because the entire team was forced into a low block.

"We defended in a deep block. That's what you do if you defend in a block. Everyone defends together. If we are pushed back, Harry defends in a deep block too."

Tuchel's tactics have come under intense criticism since England's exit. His switch to a back five and defensive substitutions handed Argentina complete control, with Lionel Messi taking over the game and inspiring a dramatic late comeback.