Gareth Southgate has been questioned by former England international Jamie Redknapp following his decision to substitute Bukayo Saka against France. The Arsenal star was replaced by Raheem Sterling in the 79th minute after terrorising left-back Theo Hernandez throughout England's World Cup quarter-final against France.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni gave France the lead before Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot, after Saka had been fouled by Tchouameni. Moments after missing a glorious chance which was saved by Jordan Pickford, Olivier Giroud headed France back in front with 12 minutes to go.
The England captain had the chance to go beyond Wayne Rooney as England's all-time top scorer, but blazed over a second penalty after second half substitute Mason Mount was bundled over by Hernandez. The world champions ultimately saw out the win thus setting up a semi-final clash with Morocoo.
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Although the Three Lions exited the competition, for large parts of the game they were the better team and the performance of Saka was remarkable. Hernandez, who plays for AC Milan, is arguably one of the best left-backs in the world, but he was constantly turned inside out by the 21-year-old, with Jamie Carragher praising him for his superb display.
Saka was the most-fouled player in the game being felled on four separate occasions including for England's first penalty. However, many believe it should have been five, with Dayot Upamecano winning the ball back from Saka in the build up to France's first goal rather unfairly.
Following the French's second goal, Gareth Southgate made two changes with Saka and Jordan Henderson replaced by Mount and Sterling. The decision was surprising to say the least, with Phil Foden on the other wing, not having as much impact on the game as Saka.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was also shocked when Saka came off believing he should have stayed on.
Redknapp told Sky Sports: "He (Theo Hernandez) couldn't handle Bukayo Saka, he was too much for Hernandez all game. I must admit I couldn't believe that Gareth took him off. Even if we'd have got a goal and gone to extra-time, he was the player that every time we got the ball to him, it gets you on the edge of your seat.
"I thought it was a really strange decision. Obviously you've got to make subs to try and affect the game, but that was certainly the wrong one. I would have kept him on for every single second of that game and I'm sure Hernandez, when he saw him go off, breathed a huge sigh of relief."
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