Paul Scholes has advised England manager Thomas Tuchel against selecting Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for the World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico, arguing that it would not be fair on the player given his lack of game time in the tournament.
England's Last-16 Opponent: Mexico
England advanced to the knockout stage after a dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the round-of-32, with Harry Kane scoring two late goals to overturn Brian Cipenga's early strike. The Three Lions now face co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca stadium in the early hours of Monday morning.
Mexico topped Group A with wins over South Africa, South Korea, and Czech Republic, and defeated Ecuador in the round-of-32. Notably, Javier Aguirre's side has yet to concede a goal at the World Cup.
Scholes' Criticism of Tuchel's Squad Selection
Scholes expressed disappointment that Tuchel has overlooked Mainoo and largely discarded Arsenal's Eberechi Eze during the tournament in the United States. He called them England's 'two best footballers' and questioned why Tuchel included Mainoo in the squad without giving him any minutes.
'There's no way he's going to play Kobbie Mainoo, he's never going to do that, no chance,' Scholes said. '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.'
Butt's Contrary View
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has taken a different stance, urging Tuchel to include Mainoo against Mexico. '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,' Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
England have struggled for fluency and control during the World Cup, despite topping Group L with seven points from a possible nine.
Scholes: Tuchel Has Become 'an English Manager'
Scholes also criticised the overall style of play under Tuchel, suggesting the German coach has abandoned his attacking philosophy. '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,' Scholes said. '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.'
He specifically mentioned Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, noting that while they were not in top form, the team is 'playing bad football' without them. '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.'
England, who last won the World Cup in 1966, will need to overcome a formidable Mexican side that has been flawless so far in the tournament.
