Sky News politics editor Beth Rigby has sparked a social media backlash after criticising England manager Thomas Tuchel following the team's 6-4 victory over France in the World Cup third-place playoff on July 18. Rigby took issue with Tuchel's comments about Bukayo Saka, who scored a hat-trick in the match.
Rigby's Criticism of Tuchel
In a series of tweets, Rigby expressed frustration that Tuchel had played Morgan Rogers over Saka in the semi-final against Argentina, which England lost. She wrote: “Tuchel says he played Rogers over Saka in semi final, and then says he wasn’t aware Saka scored a hat trick. Lost awareness of who scored goals!!! Not cool Tuchel.” She added that she had assumed Saka was injured or below par, saying: “Can't get my head around him not being used if he was fit. For me, a fit Saka is as essential to England as Kane, Bellingham, Rice.”
Fan Reactions
Many fans disagreed with Rigby's stance. One responded: “He said he lost count of how many Saka had scored. That’s all.” Rigby replied: “Yeah don’t do that – it minimises his achievement. I didn’t realise he scored a hat trick!!” Another critic said: “You get angry at what you thought Tuchel said about a football match. But you continue to say nothing about how this government is destroying this country. Get a grip.” A third added: “Just let us all have something positive for once, Beth. Jesus.”
Support for Rigby
However, some backed Rigby's view. One supporter wrote: “Tuchel doesn’t know his best team. Messed about too much. Saka should have been trusted and played more.” Another said: “Yup, surprised by that. All tournament we've heard Saka hasn't been ready or not fit enough. He does that performance and then he doesn't even know how many goals his players have scored.” The controversy comes as England celebrated a strong finish to the tournament, despite missing out on the final.
