Thomas Tuchel has been urged not to play two Arsenal stars in England’s World Cup Bronze match against France on Saturday night. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart firmly told Tuchel that there is ‘no point’ in playing anyone struggling with fitness or injury, specifically naming Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and captain Harry Kane.
Third-Place Play-Off Details
After failing to reach the final, the Three Lions and Les Bleus will contest the third-place play-off in Miami at 10pm UK time. Victory for England would give them their best result at the World Cup since winning it in 1966. Tuchel, who has faced criticism over his tactics in the semi-final defeat to Argentina, is reportedly determined to finish on a high and may name a strong starting XI.
Joe Hart's Call for Rotation
Speaking on The Rest is Football, Hart said: ‘I think there’s a great opportunity for some of the boys who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. They’ll be great opportunities for some people to stake their claim. It’s a dog eat dog world.’ He added: ‘I think he’ll change the goalie [Jordan Pickford]. If I was doing it, I’d change the lot. I’d give everyone an opportunity, obviously within the structure that I’m trying to build. There’s no point in Declan playing. I know you’re talking about the Golden Boot with Harry Kane but the players who look genuinely shattered [like Rice and Saka], the last thing they need is to go and slug it out in Miami.’
Squad Availability and Golden Boot Race
With the exception of Jordan Henderson, who broke his arm while celebrating the quarter-final win over Mexico, every England player trained ahead of the game and is available for selection. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham remain in contention for the Golden Boot with six goals each, but they trail France’s Kylian Mbappe and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who each have eight goals.
Unused Squad Members
Just four of the 26-man England squad are yet to play a single minute at the World Cup: back-up keepers Dean Henderson and James Trafford, defender Trevoh Chalobah, and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo’s absence throughout the tournament has been criticised, with some suggesting he should refuse to play in the bronze match. Hart responded: ‘That depends where your head’s at. It depends on who you want to be as a footballer, as a person. If you want to be a victim… Every opportunity you’ve got to take.’
