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Tuchel's Shock Lineup: Saka & Rice Start Third-Place Match
18 Jul
Summary
- Fans are unhappy with Tuchel's decision to start Saka and Rice.
- Saka has been managing an Achilles issue throughout the tournament.
- Several players are handed first World Cup starts in a rotated team.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has faced significant fan backlash for his starting XI in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off against France. The decision to include key players Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice has ignited a firestorm of online criticism, with many questioning the manager's choices.
Saka, who has been managing an Achilles issue, was notably absent from England's previous match. The inclusion of both Saka and Rice in a match described by some as "pointless" has led to widespread disbelief and frustration among supporters.
Tuchel's lineup features seven changes from the semi-final, including a new goalkeeper, defensive alterations, and first World Cup starts for Eberechi Eze and Ivan Toney, highlighting a heavily rotated squad for the fixture.
