Butt argued that despite the fact that the England star has been training with his teammates, “the only thing he can do is bad.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has warned England manager Thomas Tuchel against featuring midfielder Kobbie Mainoo against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, saying, “He’s down.”
The Red Devils legend gave the advice recently while appearing on the latest edition of The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
Mainoo is yet to feature at the World Cup for the Three Lions, as Tuchel has preferred a starting midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice.
Speaking ahead of the Wednesday clash, Butt believes the Manchester United star would likely struggle if thrown into the mix, having not kicked a ball so far in the tournament.
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He argued that despite the fact that Mainoo has been training with his teammates, “the only thing he can do is bad.”
He said: “Do you know something? I actually hope Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t come on now.
“Because he’s probably so down, he’s not played, and he’s not kicked a football in a real game.
“He’s been training, obviously, but if he goes in now, the only thing he can do is bad.
“He’s not going to be at the level to go and play at that level in a semi-final. I hope he doesn’t come on.”
