Tuchel hails ‘brilliant’ Saka – and reflects on decision not to play him against Argentina | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel hailed “brilliant” Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal winger’s hat-trick for England against France.

England secured third place with a thrilling 6-4 victory in the bronze medal match in Miami.

Saka, who was an unused substitute in England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina, played the entirety of the game against France.

But Tuchel insists there were valid reasons why he was not used against Argentina, despite his impressive performance against the French.

“He did everything right,” Tuchel said. “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.

“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.”

Tuchel also praised the mentality of his players once again to overcome the physical struggles of the game.

“You could see it in the second half, all the cramp and the tiredness, but I was never worried about the mentality,” he said.

“I said it before, this team created something very special and they showed it again.

“We will still feel the pain tomorrow when it’s the final. This will take a while but overall it gives me more energy than it takes from me.”