World Cup: Nicky Butt Urges Mainoo to Boycott France Clash, Calls for Tuchel's Sack

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has voiced strong criticism of England's World Cup campaign, urging young talent Kobbie Mainoo to boycott the third-place playoff match against France. Butt believes Mainoo has been unfairly overlooked throughout the tournament and should not risk injury in a "meaningless game."

“

I don’t know what’s going on there. Something isn’t quite right.

Mainoo, who earned a spot in the World Cup squad after impressing for Manchester United, has remained an unused substitute despite England's semi-final exit. Butt expressed confusion over the player's situation, stating, "I don’t know what’s going on there. Something isn’t quite right."

"If I were Kobbie Mainoo, I’d refuse to play. I’d say I was injured. It’s a meaningless game, especially after the way he’s been treated," Butt told The Sun. He questioned the decision to play the "bomb squad" in the third-place match, emphasizing the risk of injury before the new season.

“

If I were Kobbie Mainoo, I’d refuse to play. I’d say I was injured. It’s a meaningless game, especially after the way he’s been treated.

Butt also directed his criticism towards head coach Thomas Tuchel, calling for his dismissal. He argued that Tuchel's tactics were overly defensive, particularly in the semi-final against Argentina. "He’s come in and played negative football, extremely negative football, in a World Cup semi-final against an Argentina side that was there to be beaten," Butt stated. He suggested that the Football Association should consider alternatives like Eddie Howe or Mauricio Pochettino.

“

He’s come in and played negative football, extremely negative football, in a World Cup semi-final against an Argentina side that was there to be beaten.