Argentina’s World Cup Winners Were Baffled That Tuchel Never Used Saka or Madueke

The Argentina squad spent halftime preparing for Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke. They watched film. They talked through the danger. They braced for pace on the wings in the second half.

And then Thomas Tuchel never used either one.

England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semifinal Wednesday night, and two of the country’s most dangerous attacking players never left the bench. According to reports from The Independent, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni and his players were genuinely stunned that Saka and Madueke didn’t see a single minute.

Argentina expected speed, got defense

Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon started on the wings for England. That was fine by Argentina. They had prepped for the real threat to come later — the kind of direct, high-tempo running Saka and Madueke bring for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. Argentina’s staff reminded the players at halftime that those two could change the game.

Instead, Tuchel went the other way. England took a 1-0 lead, and the manager responded by sending on defensive players. Ezri Konsa replaced Gordon. Dan Burn came on for Reece James. Nico O’Reilly subbed in for Declan Rice. The shape shifted to a back five.

Argentina adjusted on the fly. They saw the changes and knew they weren’t getting the Arsenal duo. That freed them up to push forward.

A late gamble that didn’t work

England finally made attacking subs in the 95th minute — after falling behind. Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney came on for Djed Spence and John Stones. By then it was too late.

The decision has drawn heavy criticism. Saka and Madueke would’ve fancied their chances against an Argentina defense that was tiring. Both are used to big moments at Arsenal. Neither got a chance to create one here.

There’s a third-place playoff against France on Saturday. It’s technically a game. But it’s mostly meaningless, and Mikel Arteta is reportedly hoping his players get rest instead of minutes. Especially after William Saliba suffered a major injury earlier in the tournament.

Whether Saka or Madueke see the field in that one is unclear. What’s certain is that Argentina’s players still can’t quite believe they didn’t have to deal with them when it mattered.