Former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has advised England manager Thomas Tuchel to leave Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka out of the starting lineup for England’s World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia.
Petit said Saka struggled in last season’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain and has not been making the same impact for club or country. Speaking on talkSPORT, he argued that other players deserve a place in the first XI ahead of the 24-year-old.
The former Arsenal and France star was direct when asked if Saka should start against Croatia on Wednesday. “No, for me, no,” Petit said. “We saw that in the Champions League final, he was struggling. He doesn’t make any impact anymore. I think there are better players who deserve to be in the first XI.”
Related news:
2026 World Cup: Sweden Crush Tunisia 5-1 in Dominant World Cup Win
Mbappé Brace Fires France Past Senegal in World Cup Opener
Curaçao Makes History as Smallest Nation Ever at World Cup
Messi, Ronaldo, Ochoa Set Six-World Cup Record at 2026 Tournament
Senegal Ready for World Cup Despite Visa Blow to Fans
Petit added that Saka is not in the category of players who can influence a game even at less than full fitness. “We’re not talking about Zidane or Messi, that kind of player, who even at 60 per cent, they should be on the pitch. Saka is not that kind of player,” he said.
England face Croatia on 17 June in their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Tuchel’s squad selection has been under scrutiny as the Three Lions aim for a strong start to the tournament.
About The Author
