Online Reporter
KOBBIE MAINOO was ruled out of England’s third-place play-off against France through injury.
The Three Lions agonisingly missed out on a spot in the World Cup final following a dramatic defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.
And England chief Thomas Tuchel made seven changes for his side battle France for a bronze medal.
But the Three Lions released a brief statement confirming why Mainoo, 21, was not included on the team sheet.
It read: “Kobbie Mainoo is ruled out of today’s matchday squad to face France due to injury.”
The Manchester United midfielder will head back to Old Trafford after being handed ZERO minutes of action at the World Cup.
Mainoo was included in England’s 26-man squad ahead of the likes of Adam Wharton and Alex Scott, of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively, for the tournament.
But he was an unused substitute against Croatia, Ghana, Panama, DR Congo, Mexico, Norway and Argentina.
And Mainoo will now have to wait four years before having another chance to make his World Cup debut.
Legendary Premier League boss Neil Warnock slammed Tuchel for overlooking the Man Utd hero when England were desperately trying to cling on to their lead against Argentina.
He told talkSPORT: “He was the type of lad that you needed in that last 25 minutes because he’s got the legs, he can hold it up, he can run with the ball.”
“You don’t say that to the press. You tell the player. You put an arm around the player and say: ‘Look, you’re not training so good son, can you lift your percentage up?’”
Man Utd will be hoping Mainoo has not suffered a serious problem.
He made 30 appearances for the Red Devils last season, notching one goal and three assists along the way.
Mainoo won over Man Utd boss Michael Carrick after being constantly snubbed by predecessor Ruben Amorim – Sun.
