London: Tuchel explains Saka’s reduced World Cup role after hat-trick performance

By Eleanor Vance · Sports Reporter · 19.07.2026

By Eleanor Vance — 19 July 2026 — 3 min read

Saka’s World Cup Performance and Managerial Decisions

Bukayo Saka delivered a notable performance for England in their World Cup third-place play-off against France, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-4 victory. This result secured England’s best showing in the tournament since 1966. Despite this impressive display, Saka’s role throughout the tournament had been limited, a decision explained by manager Thomas Tuchel.

Saka was an unused substitute during England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina. Prior to the third-place play-off, he had started only two games in the tournament. This reduced playing time was partly attributed to an ongoing Achilles injury that Saka carried from the end of the club season.

Tuchel elaborated on his decisions, stating that he had a feeling that another player, Morgan Rogers, would be involved in something special during the semi-final. He acknowledged Saka’s importance, saying, “Bukayo showed that he is a key player. There is never a doubt.” Tuchel also admitted he lost track of the goalscorers during the high-scoring match against France, not immediately realising Saka had achieved a hat-trick.

After being an unused substitute against Argentina, Saka was reinstated into the starting lineup for the match against France in Miami. He scored three goals in the 6-4 win, contributing significantly to England’s bronze medal finish. Earlier in the tournament, he was dropped against DR Congo but then returned to assist in a 3-2 win against Mexico.

Encouragement from Bellingham and Team Spirit

During the match against France, Saka revealed that Jude Bellingham offered crucial encouragement before he took the penalty that completed his hat-trick. Bellingham, who came on as a second-half substitute, initially appeared to be preparing to take the penalty himself after Djed Spence was fouled by Malo Gusto. However, he quickly handed the ball to Saka.

Saka clarified Bellingham’s role, stating, “No, Jude was never taking it. He was the first one to say go and get your hat-trick, so none of them came to distract me. I was always going to take it.” Bellingham later scored a solo goal in added time, sealing the 6-4 victory for England.

Reflecting on the match, Saka described it as a “crazy, crazy game.” He acknowledged the team’s disappointment at not reaching the final but emphasised the importance of finishing strong and providing the country with their best World Cup finish in 60 years. He noted that England won the first half, France won the second, and ultimately England secured the win with two late goals.

Despite his limited minutes, Saka indicated he was fit and would have preferred to play more during the tournament. He stated, “Of course I would love to have played more but it’s too late to talk about that. I try to do my talking on the pitch and it’s done now, move on.”

Tuchel’s Future and Team’s Outlook

Tuchel also addressed questions regarding his future amidst speculation following England’s semi-final exit. He expressed renewed energy from the team’s fighting spirit, stating, “To see a team fight like this gives you energy. The tiredness will come after.” He added that while the pain of not reaching the final would linger, the experience ultimately provided him with more energy than it took away.

Saka publicly supported Tuchel, acknowledging that criticism is part of the game. He remarked, “When you win there’s going to be noise, it’s how you react to it, how you use it as fuel and today we finished strong and that’s all we could really do and we did that.” He highlighted the team’s progression throughout the tournament, despite the disappointment of falling short against Argentina.

Tuchel commended the team’s achievement, stating, “I have said it before, this team has created something very special, and they showed it again.” He noted the gap between England and top teams like France, who were champions eight years ago and in the final four years ago, but expressed confidence in closing it. He concluded, “We beat them. The next one will be Spain in the Nations League.”

Source: standard.co.uk

Eleanor Vance

Sports Reporter

As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”