Tuchel defends Saka omission as England secure World Cup bronze
Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick against France in Miami highlights the debate over selection, though Thomas Tuchel insists the winger remains a key player despite his limited minutes in the knockout stages.
England concluded their 2026 World Cup campaign with a dramatic 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday, securing their best tournament finish since 1966. Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick to inspire the win, becoming only the fourth England player to achieve this feat at a World Cup and the second to do so in the knockout stages. The result follows a semi-final defeat to Argentina, a match that has reignited scrutiny over manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave Saka on the substitutes' bench.
Saka’s performance served as a direct response to his omission in the semi-final against Argentina, where England surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1. Despite being fit enough to play, the Arsenal winger remained an unused substitute as the team’s hopes slipped away. In the third-place match, Saka struck twice during a commanding first-half display that saw England reach a 4-0 lead, before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot to restore a two-goal cushion after France’s comeback.
Tuchel defended the semi-final selection, citing Saka’s ongoing Achilles injury management and tactical preferences. The manager explained that Saka entered the tournament managing a persistent problem following an injury-disrupted season with Arsenal, requiring careful monitoring of his minutes. Tuchel noted that Morgan Rogers was selected for his physicality against Argentina, a choice initially justified when Rogers set up Anthony Gordon’s opening goal.
Despite the criticism, Tuchel affirmed that Saka’s status within the squad has not changed. "Bukayo is a key player for me," Tuchel said, adding that the decision to leave him out was difficult but rooted in responsibility for the player’s long-term fitness. He emphasised that Saka remained ready to play and that the manager was prepared to make changes during the semi-final had the game situation permitted, though the match dynamics shifted rapidly.
Saka, who started only three of England’s eight matches, finished the tournament with three goals and three assists from 357 minutes, averaging a goal involvement every 59.5 minutes. While he admitted frustration at his limited playing time, he stated he preferred to let his performance on the pitch speak for itself. The victory marks a significant milestone for England, even as the debate over selection strategies continues ahead of future tournaments.
