Scholes says playing Kobbie Mainoo vs Mexico would be unfair for England
Former England midfielder Paul Scholes said on July 3, 2026 that it would be unfair for England manager Thomas Tuchel to start Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo in the World Cup last‑16 match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Scholes spoke after England’s 2‑1 win over DR Congo, where Harry Kane scored twice to secure the last‑16 spot. He also criticised Tuchel for largely sidelining Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze, noting that Mainoo has not played a single minute in the tournament despite being in the squad. Former teammate Nicky Butt echoed the concern, urging Tuchel to give Mainoo or Eze a chance to add creativity in midfield.
The criticism matters because Mainoo’s lack of match time could leave him unprepared for the high‑pressure environment of a World Cup knockout game, potentially affecting England’s performance and the young player’s confidence. Fans and pundits are questioning whether Tuchel’s loyalty to experienced players is hindering the team’s adaptability against a strong Mexican side.
If you were Tuchel, would you risk throwing an unprepared Mainoo into the starting line‑up, or would you rely on more seasoned midfielders to secure a win against Mexico?