Tuchel defends Saka omission citing Rogers’ physicality over fitness concerns

England manager Thomas Tuchel has clarified that the decision to exclude Bukayo Saka from the starting lineup for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina was driven by a tactical preference for Morgan Rogers’ physicality rather than concerns regarding Saka’s fitness. Saka, who had managed a chronic Achilles issue for months prior to the tournament, confirmed he was fully fit and had expressed a desire for increased playing time.

Tuchel stated he had a "feeling" after the Norway match that Rogers possessed special physical qualities suitable for the semi-final against Argentina. The manager described the choice to leave Saka out as difficult but maintained it was rooted in his responsibility for the player’s long-term well-being, noting he had Saka ready on the bench and prepared to substitute him had the game’s intensity allowed.

Despite the omission, Saka remained a key squad member and subsequently scored a hat-trick in the third-place play-off against France, securing a 6-4 victory for England. The Arsenal forward admitted after the tournament that he was fit and would have loved to play more minutes, though he chose not to discuss the matter publicly at the time.

Rogers recorded one assist in the semi-final but posted low statistical outputs, including an expected goals (xG) of 0.05 and only 12 passes attempted. He won just three of eight ground duels and none in the air during the match. Over the course of the tournament, Saka played 356 minutes with three goals and three assists, while Rogers played 337 minutes with two assists.

Tuchel affirmed that Saka’s status within the squad has not changed, describing him as a fantastic teammate and a key player. The manager emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of Saka’s ability, which he praised as excellent, but a specific tactical call based on the perceived physical attributes Rogers could offer against Argentina.