​Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was braced for the potential introduction of Arsenal forwards Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, or both, during Wednesday night’s match, according to The Independent. Although they are pivotal players for Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners duo remained on the bench as England fell 2-1 to the South Americans in the World Cup semi-final. England’s Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel chose Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon on the wings to start the fixture. Yet Scaloni’s camp had specifically prepared for a burst of pace in the second half, a hallmark of the Arsenal attackers, should they have been brought on.
There was an expectation that Saka or Madueke would enter the fray by the second hydration break. The Argentinian side felt a sense of relief as Tuchel appeared intent on deploying a series of defensive-minded substitutes, prompting them to swiftly adjust their own game plan. By halftime, Argentina had been reminded of the qualities possessed by the Arsenal duo, and they were surprised when Tuchel pivoted to a back five after taking the lead.
The shock of it all lay in the fact that neither Saka nor Madueke saw a single minute on the field. England eventually made an attacking substitution in the 95th minute, inserting Marcus Rashford for Djed Spence and Ivan Toney for John Stones as they chased a way back into the game. Earlier, defensive changes had already been made, with Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O’Reilly coming on for Anthony Gordon, Reece James, and Declan Rice respectively, as Tuchel attempted to cling to a 1-0 advantage.
Critics have pointed fingers at Tuchel for his tactical decisions, with many believing Saka and Madueke could have offered a different dynamic if introduced. The situation leaves them with the possibility of featuring in the inconsequential third-place play-off against France on Saturday, though there is a strong preference from Arteta to see them rested after William Saliba’s significant injury suffered earlier in the week. The decision to rest them, if it materialises, would come as a relief to a manager keen to have his players fresh for the upcoming campaign, while also avoiding further strain on a squad already dealing with setbacks.