England release statement on Kobbie Mainoo’s absence vs France as Man Utd star ends World Cup with zero minutes played

KOBBIE MAINOO has been 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. Kobbie Mainoo will not be involved in England’s showdown with France Credit: Getty And England chief Thomas Tuchel has made seven changes as 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. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! 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. Most read in Sport 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, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in their pre-season opener earlier today, will be hoping their academy graduate has not suffered a serious problem. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now