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Neil Warnock has accused Thomas Tuchel of crossing the line in his treatment of Kobbie Mainoo during the World Cup, calling the England manager’s public remarks about the Manchester United midfielder “totally unfair” ahead of Saturday’s third-place playoff clash against France.

Warnock slams Tuchel over public comments

The former Premier League manager took aim at Tuchel for the way he has managed Mainoo, who has not played a single minute at the 2026 World Cup. England are preparing to take on France in the third-place playoff in Miami after their heartbreaking 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina. Mainoo’s continued absence from the pitch has become one of the most talked-about issues surrounding the team.

“He’s commented about his training not being very good. You don’t say that to the press,” Warnock said on talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast. “You tell the player. You put an arm around him and say: Look, you’re not training so well, son. Can you lift your percentage up? It’s totally unfair. Things like that should be kept within the camp.”

Tactical debate over Mainoo’s exclusion

Warnock went on to argue that Mainoo’s technical qualities were exactly what England lacked in their narrow semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta. Instead of turning to the 21-year-old United midfielder to bring composure and control, Tuchel opted for a highly defensive setup that ultimately crumbled under relentless pressure.

“He was the sort of lad you needed in that last 25 minutes because he’s got energy, he can hold the ball, and he can drive forward,” Warnock explained.

Mainoo’s absence questioned after surprise call-up

Mainoo’s inclusion in England’s 2026 World Cup squad was itself a surprise, as he was chosen ahead of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Everton’s James Garner. Despite Tuchel showing faith in him during selection, the midfielder has yet to make an appearance at the tournament. His situation continues to spark curiosity as England prepare for their final match in North America.

Warnock also questioned Tuchel’s decision-making regarding Mainoo’s potential involvement. “Will he play him now, and then he has a fantastic game and make Tuchel look silly? Or will he just not play him to avoid that? I don’t think he’ll use him, but honestly, he should. He should give everyone a chance now, shouldn’t he?” the veteran coach added.

Foster warns of potential dressing-room tension

Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster echoed Warnock’s concerns, suggesting that leaving Mainoo out again in the bronze-medal match against France could signal deeper issues within the camp. Speaking on talkSPORT, Foster warned that continued exclusion of the youngster might reveal underlying tension among the players.

“The problem will come if he doesn’t put him in,” Foster said. “If he definitely doesn’t play him in this game, then it shows there’s been a massive rift or a serious problem.”