Bukayo Saka became just the fourth England player to score a World Cup hat-trick as he helped England beat France in the bronze medal game.
Saka was given the nod from the start and along with his fellow Arsenal stars, drove England to a 4-0 lead by half-time against the French with a fine double.
Saka then completed his trio of goals by tucking in a late penalty to join Gary Lineker, Geoff Hurst and Harry Kane as the only players to score hat-tricks for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
However, while there were plenty of positives to take for England and Saka on the night, it did leave fans questioning why Saka wasn’t involved against Argentina.
Indeed, over on social media, Arsenal fans were quick to make that point to Thomas Tuchel.
Tell us who have been Arsenal’s BEST and WORST player at the World Cup this summer?
Arsenal fans slam Thomas Tuchel as Bukayo Saka scores three for England v France
It was quite an extraordinary game in the end as England ran out 6-4 winners and Saka’s hat-trick was a key aspect in getting that win done.
Jude Bellingham stole the headlines right at the end in his own way but for Arsenal fans, there was the key point around Saka to make.
Tuchel didn’t play Saka at all against Argentina and now, the England boss has been told he made a big error.
“Bukayo Saka. World Cup hat-trick. Three goals and three assists at the 2026 World Cup for Bukayo Saka, despite only starting three games. Thomas Tuchel should have trusted him against Argentina. World Class,” one fan wrote on X.
The criticism continued as well.
“Good move not to have played Saka for a single minute of the semi-final to keep him fresh for the prestigious bronze medal match,” another added, while another wrote:
“Bukayo Saka wasn’t fit to play a minute of the semi-final… That’s angered me more than anything I saw on Wednesday.”
Indeed, it wasn’t just fans who slammed Tuchel either, as former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara also passed on his anger.
It was a good point from the fans in fairness, and the point continued to be made.
“Why didn’t Bukayo Saka play one minute of the game against Argentina, I thought he might not be fit, but today he looks perfectly fit.”
While finally, another supporter demanded a comment from Thomas Tuchel.
“Need a full explanation from Tuchel tonight on the Saka situation over the past few weeks.”
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
