Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit both Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from England's starting XI for the World Cup third‑place playoff against France raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
The coach explained that the pair had been carrying a heavy load throughout the tournament, and that their bodies simply could not handle another intense contest.
Tuchel later described the match as 'the match no one wants to play in' after England's semifinal loss to Argentina, a comment that underscored his reluctance to treat the game as anything more than a formality.
A tactical gamble
Kane and Bellingham together accounted for twelve of England's fourteen goals in the competition, making their absence a significant tactical loss.
The defensive setup Tuchel deployed in the semifinal drew sharp criticism, with several analysts pointing to a lack of cohesion and an overreliance on a half‑fit Declan Rice as the sole defensive midfielder.
In the lineup against France, Ivan Toney was selected ahead of Ollie Watkins, and the back line featured Jarell Quansah alongside Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Djed Spence and Morgan Rogers, while Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford started on the wings.
The media response was swift, with pundits questioning whether the coach was undervaluing the third‑place playoff and whether the experimental back four would hold up against France's attack.