Thomas Tuchel has been slammed by World Cup legend Davor Suker for his comments ahead of England’s third-place play off against France.

The Three Lions’ bid to become world champions for the first time since 1966 came to an end this week as they were beaten by Argentina in the semi-finals.

Despite that crushing defeat, England were back in action on Saturday evening to contest their third-place play off match against France at Miami Stadium.

Bukayo Saka (3), Jude Bellingham, Ezri Konsa and Declan Rice were all on the scoresheet as England won a thrilling match 6-4.

Thomas Tuchel Downplays Third Place Play Off

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Tuchel made his feelings very clear about the third place play off ahead of Saturday’s match. He said:

Ibrahima Konate echoed Tuchel’s comments, stating that ‘not one’ of France’s players wanted to play the match.

He said: “Not one of us want to play this game for third place, but we don’t have the choice. It was not the objective. How do we mobilise and motivate ourselves? Well, I believe that as French players for this team, many players would have loved to compete and play this game.

“I’m not saying it is easy. Far from it. I’ve read in the press that Tuchel said that no one wants to play this game. Well, it’s true that given the aim and objective we had.

“We wanted to play the final, but we are still representing France and it is the dream of many people to wear the shirt, the jersey, and sing the Marseillaise. Therefore, we need to respect the jersey we’re wearing.”

Davor Suker Slams Thomas Tuchel

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Tuchel’s comments have gone down badly with World Cup legend, Davor Suker. Suker was part of the Croatia side that finished third at the 1998 World Cup. He won the Golden Boot that tournament after hitting the back of the net six times.

The 58-year-old said: “I think the rich don’t want to play when they lose. Some have so many trophies and are so rich that this match means nothing to them.

He added: “This match can be very important. After 1998 and the game against the Netherlands, we fought for third place, and today I can speak about it with pride.

“Whoever wins third place, I assure you that in 20 years, when they are older, they will certainly remember that bronze medal. That’s why, in this whole story, coach Tuchel isn’t important. He’s talking nonsense.”

Thomas Tuchel has now revealed why he didn’t bring Bukayo Saka on during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina.

The Three Lions manager was widely criticised for his defensive tactics in the final 30 minutes of the clash, after Anthony Gordon had put his side in front. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned it around after Tuchel brought on multiple defenders for attacking players.

Saka, Noni Madueke and Ollie Watkins remained on the bench throughout the heartbreaking loss, even when England were chasing a late equaliser. Many believed the Arsenal star was struggling with fitness issues, but it’s now been revealed that wasn’t the case.

Saka Reveals Disappointment at Lack of Game Time

REUTERS/Paul Childs

Saka had played a role in each of his country’s first six games, although four were limited to substitute appearances. It then left supporters shocked to see the Arsenal winger left out completely against Argentina in the nation’s biggest game in eight years.

Speaking after his impressive display in helping England secure third place against France, Saka told reporters that he was disappointed not to have played more this summer. He also confirmed that he is fully fit, saying:

The 24-year-old netted his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 6-4 victory. He was unstoppable in the first 45 minutes, before coolly dispatching a late penalty.

Thomas Tuchel Explains Saka Snub vs Argentina

REUTERS/Paul Childs

Tuchel was asked why Saka wasn’t handed a single minute in the semi-final following the ‘bronze medal’ match. The German coach claimed he simply had a feeling Morgan Rogers would have an impact on the right, saying: “He did everything right. I had a feeling in the semi-final for Rogers. That he would be involved in something special. That was it.”

That feeling proved to be right, as the soon-to-be Chelsea star provided the assist for Gordon’s goal. However, Saka could’ve been introduced later in the game when England needed a way out of Argentina’s relentless pressure.

Tuchel continued: “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 for him and well deserved. He showed he is a top player.”

France were defeated 6-4 in the most action-packed game of the 2026 World Cup as England claimed the bronze medals on Saturday night. Michael Olise was emotional after the game, as revealed by his manager Didier Deschamps.

The iconic Frenchman will now step down from his post as Les Bleus manager after 14 years in charge. His biggest achievement came in 2018, when he guided his country to the World Cup.

Deschamps’ ultimate goal was to leave the trophy and move aside for Ziniedine Zidane to take over. That’s not how things panned out, as France were defeated by Spain in the semi-final before losing to England in the ‘bronze medal’ match.

Didier Deschamps Has to Console Michael Olise vs England

REUTERS/Paul Childs

England raced into a four-goal lead before half-time through two Bukayo Saka goals, as well as strikes from Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa. However, France fought back to 4-3 as Kylian Mbappe (x2) and Bradley Barcola struck.

Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham put the result beyond all doubt. Ousmane Dembele’s late strike was nothing more than a consolation.

Before Bellingham’s late strike sealed England’s best finish on the biggest stage since 1966, Olise had two gilt-edged opportunities to get his name on the scoresheet. At the time, he would’ve levelled the scoreline.

However, the Bayern Munich man failed to deliver. French outlet L’Equipe reports it led to Olise ‘breaking down in tears’ in the dressing room and ‘blaming himself’. Deschamps revealed in his post-match press conference that he had ‘spoken with Michael‘.

The ex-Crystal Palace winger, who was born in England, ended the tournament without a single goal, but he did break Pele’s 1970 record for the most assists in a single World Cup campaign (seven).

France Dressing Room Disappointed After ‘Unacceptable’ Display

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Sam Navarro

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot didn’t hold back in his assessment of the first-half performance in particular, which saw the three-time world champions end up 4-0 down. “I saw behaviour from some players that I’ve never seen before,” the experienced midfielder said.

He added: “It’s a bit disappointing, because it was the last match to do well in this competition.” Olise wasn’t the only one feeling disappointed in the dressing room, as Rabiot explained: