Bukayo Saka responded in emphatic fashion after being benched by England manager Thomas Tuchel in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The Arsenal winger scored a stunning hat-trick to inspire England to a 6-4 victory over France in the third-place playoff, securing the Three Lions' best World Cup finish since 1966.
Saka's Hat-Trick Silences Critics
According to The Guardian, Saka was surprisingly left on the bench throughout England's semi-final defeat to Argentina, a decision that attracted widespread criticism. However, the 24-year-old returned with a point to prove, delivering one of the standout displays of the tournament. After the match in Miami, Saka admitted he would have preferred more playing time but insisted his performances speak louder than words.
"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. I'm fit," Saka said, per The Guardian.
His comments appeared to challenge suggestions that fitness concerns influenced Tuchel's decision to leave him out against Argentina, especially after producing a hat-trick that included clinical finishing and relentless energy.
Tuchel Defends Controversial Selection
Despite Saka's heroics, Tuchel maintained there was no hidden agenda behind his semi-final decision. The England boss explained that he simply trusted Morgan Rogers to deliver in that particular match, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
"He did everything right. I just had a feeling in the semi-final for Morgan Rogers, that he would be involved in something special. That was it. The games in themselves demand so much and we are forced into changes because of cramp and the flow of the game," Tuchel said.
Tuchel added: "Bukayo showed that he is a key player, that was never a doubt. I was not even aware now that he had a hat-trick, I lost the overview of the goalscorers, but well deserved. Brilliant."
England's Best Finish Since 1966
The 6-4 victory over France marked England's highest-scoring match of the tournament and their best World Cup finish since winning the trophy in 1966. Saka's hat-trick was the first by an English player in a World Cup match since Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final.
In the same match, France captain Kylian Mbappe broke Lionel Messi's record to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, despite France's defeat. Mbappe's landmark further strengthened his reputation as one of the greatest performers in World Cup history.
Tuchel reiterated that Saka remains an important figure in his plans despite the controversial omission, ensuring the Arsenal star's future with the national team remains bright.
