England Star Kobbie Mainoo Urged to Boycott France Bronze Match Over Tuchel Snub

Kobbie Mainoo, an England rising star, has been advised to boycott the World Cup third-place playoff against France due to Thomas Tuchel’s perplexing decision to exclude him from game time throughout the tournament. Despite being a key squad member, Mainoo has yet to see a single minute on the pitch in this competition.

Manchester United legend Nicky Butt openly criticized Tuchel’s treatment of Mainoo. Speaking to Paddy Power, Butt questioned the rationale behind the decision and suggested Mainoo should make a statement by refusing to participate in what he called a “nonsense game.” He added, “If I were Kobbie, I’d say I was injured. It makes no sense to risk injury in a meaningless match after being sidelined the entire tournament.”

Paul Scholes agreed with Butt’s assessment during a football analysis show. Highlighting Tuchel’s preference for other players, including Reece James—who has recently recovered from injury—Scholes said, “It seems like it’s anybody but Kobbie at the moment. Every manager has favorites, but this situation is puzzling.” He also noted there’s no indication that Mainoo has caused any issues within the squad.

Butt further expressed sympathy for Mainoo’s predicament, suggesting the midfielder might struggle if called upon without prior playing time. “He’s been training, yes, but entering such a high-pressure game without match fitness could do more harm than good,” Butt remarked. “Tuchel’s choice to overlook him is disappointing but not unprecedented; some players go through major tournaments without playing a minute.”

Meanwhile, former England captain Wayne Rooney weighed in on the coaching debate, endorsing the Football Association’s continued support for Tuchel despite England’s 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina. Rooney hinted that only a high-profile replacement like Pep Guardiola would justify a change in leadership.

As the bronze match approaches, the spotlight remains on Tuchel’s selection policies and Mainoo’s future prospects with the England team.