Bukayo Saka has been handed a surprise start for England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place play-off against France after not featuring at all in the semi-final defeat to Argentina.
The Arsenal winger has started just one game in this tournament due to a persistent Achilles problem that has troubled him for several months, limiting his game time this summer.
The 24-year-old has played an important role for the Three Lions nonetheless and his halftime introduction in the quarter-final against Norway was key to their comeback victory.
It was presumed that Saka’s Achilles issue was the reason behind his absence against Argentina, as Thomas Tuchel elected to leave him on the bench despite a lack of outlets on the pitch of receiving possession and relieving pressure when they were under the cosh.
Tuchel’s decision to start him against France, however, raises questions about why he chose not to play Saka at all in the semi-final, which England lost 2-1 after going ahead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon.
The German coach has made seven changes to the starting lineup from Wednesday’s game, but has surprisingly chosen to start Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice despite the fact he has looked visibly exhausted in recent matches.
Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze are the other players starting in midfield, meaning Kobbie Mainoo is still waiting to get any minutes at the World Cup.
Saka starts for England vs France after sitting out semi-final
England starting XI:Â D. Henderson; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Eze; Saka, Rogers, Rashford; Toney
Subs:Â Pickford, O’Reilly, Stones, Anderson, Kane, Bellingham, Chalobah, J. Henderson, Burn, Gordon, Watkins, Madueke, Trafford, James
France starting XI: Maignan; T. Hernández, Lacroix, Konate, Gusto; Rabiot, Zaïre-Emery, Doue; Cherki, Olise, Mbappe
Subs:Â Akliouche, Barcola, Dembele, Digne, L. Hernandez, Kante, Kone, Kounde, Mateta, Risser, Saliba, Samba, Tchouameni, Thuram, Upamecano
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