Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has questioned Thomas Tuchel's treatment of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka during the World Cup.
Saka has been carrying an Achilles injury from the end of last season, but Tuchel insisted the decision not to field the forward was mainly tactical. However, Saka appeared to confirm that he was indeed fit enough to start against Lionel Messi and Co.
Tuchel made a 'mistake' not playing Saka against Argentina, according to Schmeichel, who feels the England manager may regret down the line. 'People should take a step back and actually look at what England have done,' Schmeichel said.
Schmeichel praised England's squad for their 'absolutely fantastic' quarter-final display against Mexico in 'difficult circumstances'. He also questioned the narrative surrounding Jude Bellingham blaming Jordan Pickford for the 85th-minute equaliser against England.
Schmeichel believes that England's performance in the World Cup should be viewed as a big picture, rather than focusing on individual mistakes. 'You can criticise the manager until the cows come home, but it's not going to change much,' he said.
England secured their best World Cup finish since 1966 with a 6-4 win over France. The Three Lions will be watching the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19 at 8pm BST at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
Schmeichel feels that England's performance in the World Cup should be viewed as a positive, despite some individual mistakes. 'For England to come through in that game with ten men, that was fantastic, absolutely fantastic,' he said.
Schmeichel also praised England's ability to adapt to difficult circumstances during the World Cup. 'Then, of course, they go on to play against Norway and play really well against Norway. Difficult circumstances in Miami,' he added.
