Former England defender Micah Richards has urged Thomas Tuchel to restore Bukayo Saka to England’s starting line-up for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Mexico, insisting the Arsenal winger should replace Noni Madueke.
Richards made the call after England laboured to a 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32, a performance he believes exposed problems in the team’s attacking play.
Speaking to the BBC, Richards said Tuchel must address his selection on the flanks ahead of the meeting with the co-hosts.
“He needs to sort out the right-back area and decide which wingers he wants to play.
“I think Rashford didn’t really live up to expectations, and Anthony Gordon did really well on that left-hand side when he came on.
“But if Saka is fit, Saka has to start – it’s as simple as that. Even if he’s 80 per cent fit, he has to start.”
Madueke has featured prominently for England at the tournament, starting three matches and making one substitute appearance.
He also provided an assist in the Three Lions’ opening group-stage victory over Croatia.
Saka, however, has made just one start at the World Cup, coming off the bench in the other three matches.
Despite his limited minutes, he has already contributed two assists, against Croatia and Panama.
The Arsenal winger also holds a significant edge in international experience, having registered 53 England caps, 14 goals and 11 assists.
Madueke has made 15 appearances for the national team, scoring once and providing four assists.
Tuchel, meanwhile, credited assistant coach Anthony Barry for a tactical switch that helped England overturn the deficit against DR Congo.
“Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea to put Declan there,” Tuchel said.
“To have his quality from the side, to get more difficult crosses in there, more difficult to defend, more crosses and outswingers.
“Also have a bit more support for Saka, and with Ebs Eze we had a bit more of a connection on the right side that helped and opened it up. So full credit to my assistant.”
England now face Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca, with Tuchel acknowledging that the hosts will benefit from the high-altitude conditions.
“The altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it,” the England manager said.
“It just takes too much time. We have only three days in between these matches. It’s physically just not possible to adapt to the altitude.”
