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In England’s dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, Tuchel opted to start Morgan Rodgers on the right, and the Aston Villa forwards vindicated the choice by first setting up Anthony Gordon’s opener early in the second half.
The Three Lions were looking for their first World Cup finals in 60 years before Tuchel turned to better defensive form midway through the second half.
Argentina took control when Enzo Fernandez headed Lionel Messi into the back of the net in the 85th minute. Complete an amazing comeback.
Saka heated up in the closing stages but didn’t make it into the race – and the decision quickly became one of the talking points of the race. However, Tuchel insists it should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence.
“He was fantastic. Bukayo is a key player for me,” the England manager said after the win over France.
“He was ready to participate in the World Cup. I still felt the responsibility as a coach and to take it slowly with Bucayo, with the history of where he came from.
He started some matches, it was a difficult decision for me to leave him out of the semi-finals. After the Norway match, I felt that Morgan Rodgers has something special to give us in the match against Argentina with his physicality and body.
“We warmed it up a lot against Argentina, we were ready to change it but the game became too crazy and in the end we chose another option.
“But nothing has changed for me in this World Cup. Bucayo is a great teammate, a great footballer, a key player for us. That won’t change. He showed it again today. I’m happy for him and I’m happy for us. He’s great.”
