Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has detailed how England boss Thomas Tuchel could make Kobbie Mainoo’s situation even worse.
Overlooked again
Mainoo’s wait for a taste of the action at the 2026 World Cup continues, following Tuchel’s bizarre decision to overlook him yet again against DR Congo.
The United star remains the only midfielder in the squad who has yet to feature for the Three Lions.
England edged past DR Congo earlier this week to book their last-16 spot. Harry Kane’s sensational second-half display proved decisive, rescuing his side from what could have been an embarrassing slip-up.
Brian Cipenga handed DR Congo the lead, but two clinical finishes from Kane turned the tide and set up a mouthwatering last-16 clash with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
Ahead of the DR Congo clash, there was significant pressure on Tuchel to give Mainoo game time. However, with the Mexico fixture looming, Scholes has argued that thrusting the youngster into such a high-stakes encounter would be unfair.
Nicky Butt and Scholes disagree
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Butt said, “I think if we’re going to beat Mexico then we have to be more expansive in midfield and play Kobbie Mainoo or Eberechi Eze.”
But Scholes answered, “There’s no way he’s going to play Kobbie Mainoo, he’s never going to do that, no chance!”
Asked why Tuchel included Mainoo in his World Cup squad in the first place given he is yet to play, Scholes remarked, “I don’t know.”
“But do you know what? It would probably be the wrong thing to do for Kobbie now. He’s been out there for three or four weeks but he’s not played a game. Imagine if all of a sudden he’s got to come in. It’s probably not fair on Kobbie to ask him to come in now.”
Scholes said of the display vs. DR Congo, “I thought it was bad. We brought Thomas Tuchel in because he’s been at big clubs and played brilliant football. But I feel like we’ve made him into an English manager.”
“He’s picked these players but I don’t think they are the type of players he wants to work with. I think he wants to play the game the right way but he’s left players with the most flair out of the squad. Cole Palmer, brilliant player, same with Phil Foden – they weren’t in the best form but this team are playing bad football.”
The United icon added, “The two best footballers he’s got are Kobbie Mainoo and Eberechi Eze but he isn’t playing them. Those two can make a team play good football but he’s not playing them.”
Mexico vs. England kicks off on Sunday at 11pm.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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