Connect with us

Sports

Why Thomas Tuchel Gave Bukayo Saka Zero Minutes in England vs Argentina

Published

on


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

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Reece James 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:

“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.”

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

England manager Thomas Tuchel at the 2026 World Cup 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.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

Man Utd Set to Make Move to Sign £80m Forward

Published

on

By


Manchester United are set to make a move to sign a new winger in the summer transfer window, and it could be a better signing for the club than Youri Tielemans.

The Red Devils have confirmed three new additions in the summer transfer window so far as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Champions League.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfield duo Tielemans and Andrey Santos have all arrived through the door at Old Trafford so far.

United are unlikely to be stopping there, though, especially with Darlow only coming in as a backup goalkeeper, leading to only the midfield getting strengthened.

Adding to their forward line could be one of their next priorities over the next few weeks.

Man Utd set to make forward move

Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick

According to reports, Manchester United are preparing to make a move to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams in the summer transfer window.

It would be a huge statement move from United if they were to bring Williams to Old Trafford, especially as he could cost £80 million due to a release clause.

Unfortunately for United, Williams has signed a ten-year contract with Athletic Club recently, keeping him at the club until 2035.

That certainly hints that he is happy to remain with the La Liga outfit, as he’s always remained loyal despite interest from a host of clubs.

The report does claim that United would be willing to give Williams a pay rise, while they also face competition from fellow Premier League side Chelsea.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Williams a better signing than Tielemans

Nico Williams in action for Athletic Bilbao

United confirmed the signing of Tielemans from Aston Villa earlier this month, and it is undoubtedly a huge addition for their midfield.

The Red Devils paid a £35 million release clause to secure his signature as they look to improve their options in the middle of the park.

Despite that, if United can pull off a deal to sign Williams, who has been described as ‘absolutely frightening’, in the summer transfer window, it would certainly be a better signing.

Williams is significantly younger than Tielemans and would offer United something they don’t have: a natural winger option on the left-hand side.

Continue Reading

Sports

Man Utd Must Sell ‘Player of the Year’ After Transfer Admission

Published

on

By


Michael Carrick has been handed somewhat of a dilemma as one of his Manchester United players has made it clear he wants out.

The Red Devils started their pre-season on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat to EFL Championship Wrexham AFC in Helsinki. Carrick handed opportunities to players on the outskirts of the first-team as well as a debut to new signing Andrey Santos.

The loss wasn’t ideal, nor were comments made after the game by Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek. The 22-year-old returned to the club earlier this summer after spending last season on loan at Bristol City.

Vitek Wants to Leave Man Utd

Radek Vitek (Bristol City) Andrew Couldridge via Action Images/Reuters

Vitek came on in the second half, replacing 40-year-old Tom Heaton and that might turn out to be his final game for United. He is unlikely to be offered regular game time next season as Senne Lammens has become Carrick’s undisputed number one.

Karl Darlow arrived as a free agent after leaving Leeds United and he’s expected to serve as backup to Lammens. That casted doubts over Vitek’s future at Old Trafford, and he has now admitted he’s keen on moving elsewhere to earn more minutes.

Vitek told reporters (via BBC Sport): “I’m ready for both (loan or permanent move), to be fair. It depends on what the club wants and also on the options. There has been a few interests on the table. We’re hoping to choose the best one and hopefully it will happen soon.”

United are clearly now in a position where they will have to either loan the young shot-stopper out or sell their academy product. He’s yet to make a single competitive appearance for the club but was extremely impressive at Bristol City.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Time For Man Utd to Sell

senne lammens manchester united

Vitek won Bristol City’s Player of the Season award for a superb campaign which saw him keep 12 clean sheets in 41 games. There was no clause inserted in the loan agreement between the two clubs which meant that the Robins weren’t able to sign him permanently.

The Czech’s exploits at Ashton Gate have surely led to many clubs queuing up to sign him. For United, the solution is probably to cash in on the goalkeeper rather than send him out on loan again when it’s clear he isn’t viewed as a potential number one.

Lammens is still only 24 and therefore his number one spot is unlikely to be under risk in the years to come. The Belgian endured a heartbreaking World Cup after his mistake led to his nation crashing out to Spain in the quarter-finals.

United are in a similar situation to that of Matej Kovar who had impressed at youth level but failed to win over the senior coaching staff. The club opted to sell to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 after sending him out on loan to the likes of Burton Albion and Sparta Prague.

Continue Reading

Sports

Tottenham Plans to Sell Richarlison Take Huge Twist

Published

on

By


A major rebuild continues at Tottenham Hotspur and there is a need to offload players deemed surplus to requirements.

It’s been a busy summer for Roberto De Zerbi and the Lilywhites thus far, having broken their transfer record to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for £100 million. The Italian has been joined in North London by Mateus Fernandes, who arrived from West Ham United for £85 million.

At least one new attacker is expected to be signed ahead of the new season, and that could mean one or two big-name exits. After nearly suffering relegation last season, De Zerbi will want to ensure he has a squad that are ready to return to European qualification contention.

Tottenham: Richarlison Wants Premier League Stay

Richarlison
Richarlison
via Reuters

One player linked to an exit is Richarlison, who’s garnering interest from “multiple clubs.” A report from TEAMtalk claims that the Brazilian attacker has emerged as a target for Serie A giants Juventus.

Richarlison managed a respectable 11 goals in 32 league outings last season but De Zerbi doesn’t plan for him to be leading the line moving forward. His future has been in doubt amid talk of the Lilywhites moving for either Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi or free agent Dusan Vlahovic.

Despite Juve’s interest in the 29-year-old, he is reportedly keen on remaining in the Premier League after recently obtaining British citizenship. He has “embraced life in the United Kingdom completely” and therefore is building for a future in England.

The report claims that Richarlison remains an important member of De Zerbi’s squad. He’s expected to continue providing depth in attack unless the club swoop for a new striker.

Richarlison joined Spurs from Everton in the summer of 2022 for £60m and he has fared reasonably well. He helped his side win the Europa League last year and has come to the fore in crucial moments.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Richarlison Still Has Much to Offer

Richarlison in action for Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s stance is that they are open to a sale if the price is right but won’t part ways until a replacement is signed. That doesn’t mean they will look to offload Dominic Solanke, as the English striker is reportedly expected to be retained.

Richarlison, who earns £90,000 per week, is a divisive player but offers versatility and much-needed depth in the attacking department. It appears he’s prepared to settle for a backup role, and that might suit De Zerbi given his effectiveness from the bench.

Spurs have a pre-season to prepare for a campaign without European football, and that means all the focus is on finishing in the top four or five. Players such as the Brazilian can prove to be key throughout the course of a season, especially when injuries take hold.

Continue Reading

Trending