Gareth Southgate's decision to take Arsenal star Bukayo Saka off in England's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat to France yesterday (Saturday) has been questioned by Ruud Gullit. The forward has provided a constant threat on the right against Theo Hernandez and won the penalty that Harry Kane dispatched.
The Three Lions had their World Cup hopes dashed in heartbreaking fashion in Al Khor yesterday after ex-Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud headed the reigning champions into the semi-final in the 78th minute. Southgate's side were arguably the better team on the day and missed the chance to go to extra-time through Kane's missed penalty.
As expected, decisions made on the night by Southgate have been quizzed after his side came up short for a third consecutive major tournament. And one that has been criticised by former Chelsea man Gullit is replacing Saka with Raheem Sterling in the 79th minute.
READ MORE: Gary Neville delivers brutal referee and VAR verdict as England suffer World Cup exit heartbreak
The Chelsea forward only returned to Qatar on Friday after leaving the country due to personal reasons and managed only one goal all tournament. Saka, England's joint top-scorer of the tournament, had caused France endless amounts of problems off the right.
Saka earned England a spot-kick shortly after half-time and had looked dangerous throughout the contest. However, he was replaced with 11 minutes to go and Sterling had little impact.
Speaking to bein SPORTS after the game, Gullit argued that Saka should have remained on the pitch. "Saka was the only one who was really, really good. Why did you take him off?" he said.
“I don’t think he (Sterling) is near what he was a couple of seasons ago. Therefore, why would you do that? And he didn’t do anything (when he came on).”
Gullit isn't the only former Premier League player to question Southgate's decision. Jamie Redknapp elaborated on how he was shocked when Saka came off. He 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."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal face Europa League dilemma after World Cup highlights familiar Bukayo Saka problem
Arsenal supporters will love what Mikel Arteta did to Marquinhos in Dubai training session
Chelsea player ratings vs Aston Villa – Hall stands out, Hutchinson dangerous, Broja concern
The seven Chelsea players Graham Potter did not select for friendly vs Aston Villa
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
