Nicky Butt: I would have skipped the World Cup third-place match if I were Mainoo

Ex-England player Nicky Butt stated that he would have declined to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff against France had he been in Kobbie Mainoo's position. Butt remarked, "I'd say I was injured...It's a nonsense game, especially when you've been treated like that." It is worth noting that Mainoo did not receive any playing time for England throughout the competition.