Thomas Tuchel has explained why Bukayo Saka struggled for minutes at the World Cup, despite the Arsenal winger scoring a hat-trick in England's bronze final victory over France. Saka's treble helped England secure a 6-4 win in Miami, earning third place at the 2026 tournament—their best finish since winning the World Cup in 1966.
Saka's Limited Role
Saka was expected to play a key role for England but did not start until the third group game, a dead-rubber against Panama. He was then dropped again against DR Congo before being reinstated against Mexico, where he provided a key assist in a 3-2 win. Tuchel decided not to use Saka at all in the semi-final defeat to Argentina, but handed him a start against France—a decision that paid off spectacularly.
“He did everything right,” Tuchel told BBC Sport. “I had a feeling in the semi-final that [Morgan] Rogers would be involved in something special. That was it. The games in itself demands so much, so much focus on changes because of cramps and flow of the games. Bukayo showed that he is a key player. There is never a doubt. I wasn't aware he had a hat-trick. I lost the overview of the goalscorers, but brilliant.”
England's Best Finish Since 1966
England's win over France secured third place at the 2026 World Cup, their best showing since winning the tournament in 1966. Tuchel praised the team's spirit, saying, “I have said it before, this team has created something very special, and they showed it again.” He acknowledged the gap to top teams like France, who were champions eight years ago and finalists four years ago, but expressed confidence in closing it. “We want to close it. I said yesterday that today is the first step to closing it. We did it. We beat them. The next one will be Spain in the Nations League.”
Tuchel's Future and Energy
Asked if he remains energized for the job amid questions over his future, Tuchel was adamant. “To see a team fight like this gives you energy. The tiredness will come after. We will still feel the pain when tomorrow is the final. This will take a while, but overall it gives me more energy than it takes from me.”
