Criticism over Mainoo’s World Cup absence
Former Premier League manager Neil Warnock has expressed strong disapproval of England coach Thomas Tuchel‘s handling of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo during the 2026 World Cup. Mainoo, a Manchester United player, did not feature in any matches for the Three Lions, despite being part of the squad that reached the semi-finals.
Warnock specifically criticised Tuchel’s public comments regarding Mainoo’s training performance. He stated that such remarks should be kept private within the team, suggesting that a coach should address concerns directly with the player rather than through the press. Warnock described Tuchel’s approach as ‘totally unfair’.
The England team is preparing to play France in the third-place playoff in Miami after their semi-final defeat to Argentina. Mainoo’s lack of game time has become a significant topic of discussion.
Tactical questions and dressing room concerns
Warnock also raised tactical questions about Mainoo’s absence, particularly during England‘s 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina in Atlanta. He suggested that Mainoo’s technical abilities, including his composure and ball-carrying skills, could have been beneficial in the final stages of the match, where England‘s defensive strategy ultimately faltered.
Mainoo’s inclusion in the World Cup squad was initially seen as a surprise, as he was selected ahead of other midfielders such as Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and James Garner from Everton. Despite this initial vote of confidence, he remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament.
Former Three Lions goalkeeper Ben Foster echoed concerns, suggesting that if Mainoo is not given playing time in the bronze-medal match against France, it could indicate underlying issues within the squad. Foster warned that a complete omission would point to a ‘massive rift or massive problem’ behind the scenes.
Reports indicate that Tuchel was reportedly dissatisfied with Mainoo’s training performances leading up to the group stage match against Ghana. Mainoo was initially considered to feature in that game due to fitness concerns surrounding Declan Rice.
Call for Mainoo to boycott third-place match
Nicky Butt, another former Manchester United midfielder, has gone further, urging Mainoo to refuse to play in the third-place decider against France. Butt described the match as a ‘nonsense game’ and suggested that Mainoo should claim injury given his consistent exclusion from previous games.
Butt argued that after being overlooked for the entire tournament, playing in a ‘pointless jumped-up friendly’ could expose Mainoo to unnecessary injury risks for the upcoming season. He expressed strong doubts about Tuchel’s continued tenure as England coach, calling for his removal.
Tuchel is expected to make several changes to his starting line-up for the match against France, which is scheduled to kick off at 10pm BST on Saturday. This could potentially offer Mainoo his first appearance of the tournament.
Butt believes that if Tuchel remains in his position, the Football Association‘s technical director, John McDermott, should also be dismissed. He suggested that managers like Eddie Howe of Newcastle United or Mauricio Pochettino, who led the United States to the World Cup last-16, would be better alternatives for the England coaching role.
Butt highlighted Pochettino’s strong relationship with McDermott during their time at Tottenham, suggesting it could make him a strong candidate. He noted that while Tuchel is an ‘unbelievable club manager,’ his approach with the England team has been overly negative, particularly in the semi-final against Argentina.
The third-place playoff between England and France will take place on Saturday.
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Source: goal.com
