Bukayo Saka Voices FIFA World Cup Game Time Concern, But Thomas Tuchel Stands Firm
Bukayo Saka Voices FIFA World Cup Game Time Concern, But Thomas Tuchel Stands Firm Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 15:47 IST Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka Voices FIFA World Cup Game Time Concern, But Thomas Tuchel Stands Firm Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 15:47 IST Bukayo Saka discusses limited FIFA World Cup minutes, coach Tuchel explains injury management. England star wanted more play, Tuchel prioritised recovery. Rapid Read Bukayo Saka celebrates with Jude Bellingham (10) and Reece James (24) after scoring their fifth goal, his third, during the World Cup third-place playoff against France (Picture credit: AP) Star Arsenal right-winger Bukayo Saka has spoken out about his lack of game time at the FIFA World Cup, but England coach Thomas Tuchel stood firm on his decision, saying that he kept Saka out of the field to ensure he didn’t aggravate the injury he had sustained before the World Cup. Saka featured for 361 minutes during the tournament, finishing with three goals and three assists.
Speaking to the media after the game against France, Saka said that he was fit and admitted he would have liked to feature more during the FIFA World Cup. He referenced the game against Argentina, in which he remained on the bench. “I would have loved to have played a bigger part, but it is too late to talk about that now. I try to do my talking on the pitch. I am fit. We had some amazing results; we fell short against Argentina and it hurts a lot," Saka said. “We have to hold our heads high and move on to the next one," Saka added. Speaking to the media after England’s 6-4 win against France, Tuchel explained that he had to manage Saka’s minutes throughout the tournament because the winger was recovering from an injury. “Bukayo is a fantastic footballer, a key player for us and he showed it again today.
He was excellent. He was ready to go in the World Cup, but I still felt a responsibility to take it slow with Bukayo (after injury)," Tuchel said. “He started some matches. It was a tough decision to leave him out of the semifinal. I felt with Norway (win in quarters) that Morgan Rogers showed he was special with his physicality and his body," Tuchel added. Saka grabbed a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham became the first English footballer to score seven goals at a single FIFA World Cup in a breathless game. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will Saka's limited play affect his future club performance? Bukayo Saka expressed frustration over limited FIFA World Cup game time, but coach Thomas Tuchel stated it was due to injury management.
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