England preferred Morgan Rogers’ physicality before the semi-final’s late defensive pressure changed Thomas Tuchel’s plans for Bukayo Saka.
Thomas Tuchel has explained why Bukayo Saka was left unused during England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Saka was a substitute but did not play, as England lost their late lead and missed out on reaching Sunday’s final.
Instead, Tuchel opted for Morgan Rogers in his starting line-up, backing the Aston Villa midfielder to bring a more physical edge after strong showings against Norway and in training.
Rogers justified Tuchel’s choice by assisting England’s goal, but as Argentina gained control late in the match, Saka’s absence stood out more.
Ahead of the bronze match against France, Tuchel clarified that Saka’s omission was a tactical call, not the result of any injury.
“Of course, there was a reason. There was an in-game decision against Bukayo,” Tuchel said.
“Bukayo can always start for us.”
The England head coach also explained why Rogers was chosen to start.
“We decided for more physical approach with Morgan Rogers and I felt like after the game against Norway that Morgan has something special in him,” he said.
“That’s what I saw and felt in training and I’m glad he proved us right with his assist.”
Tuchel’s comments show that Saka was left out because England wanted to use a specific strategy against Argentina.
The choice not to bring the Arsenal winger on later was tied to how the semi-final unfolded.
England led up until late in the game but became more passive as Argentina pushed forward, sent crosses into the box, and forced Tuchel’s team to defend deeper.
Tuchel switched to a back five to give England more width in defense and help deal with Argentina’s runners. But the shift meant a lack in attacking players, including an opportunity for Saka.
“We had some options on our mind and warming up. Bukayo was one of them,” Tuchel added.
“But when we got in so much trouble and couldn’t escape anymore, we took the decisions that we took.”
When Tuchel saw his team stuck in their own defensive third, he focused on protecting the lead instead of bringing on Saka as an attacking option.
Utimately for the England manager, the plan did not work, with Argentina scoring twice to come from behind and reach the final.
Tuchel took responsibility for his substitutions at the press conference but said he did not regret trying to react to the flow of the game.
Saka’s absence was still a surprise in England’s defeat. The 24-year-old has been a key attacking player for England, as the top joint assist provide despite only having played just 267 minutes across the Three Lions' 7 World Cup matches.
His speed and close control could have helped England break out of the deep defensive block that Tuchel said his team struggled to escape.
His comment that Saka “can always start” shows the decision was not about his place in the squad.
England will play France in the third-place match, and Tuchel has confirmed there will be changes after a tough run through the knockout rounds.
Whether Saka returns to the starting line-up depends on Tuchel’s final choice. For many Arsenal fans, seeing Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice not play in the match would be a positive, allowing both players to rest as they face a race for fitness for the new season.