England internal strife? Multiple substitutes unhappy with manager: 'We're just here to make up the numbers!' 70 million euro star with 0 appearances.

Following England's failure to secure the World Cup title, on July 17 Beijing time, leading journalist David Ornstein from The Athletic wrote a detailed exposé about the internal strife within the team. Several bench players expressed dissatisfaction and even resentment towards head coach Tuchel, believing they were merely "filler" for the squad.

During this World Cup, Tuchel relied on roughly 15 core players in multiple matches. Those on the fringes of the squad initially kept a positive attitude, but as seven weeks passed, some began to feel they were "just making up the numbers." They felt they were on a free trip without any chance of playing time. Examples include Ivan Toney, Chalobah, and Mainoo.

In particular, Manchester United star Mainoo, valued at 70 million euros, never got a chance despite England having played seven matches in the World Cup. Game after game went by, and he remained unused.

This star, who helped Manchester United secure third place in the Premier League with his outstanding performances in the second half of the season, found it increasingly difficult to hide his disappointment.

Every time he passed through the mixed zone after matches, Mainoo walked dejectedly, and he was often one of the first players to leave the stadium and return to the team bus.

Moreover, Mainoo was always alone, wearing headphones, appearing very unsociable. This became a sad scene of England's World Cup campaign.

Later in the World Cup, Mainoo even saw Reece James, originally a defender, being deployed in midfield, while he himself still got no chance. Even when Rice's physical condition clearly showed problems, Mainoo was not given any playing time. Despite a source close to the team insisting that Mainoo had been performing well in training.

Being so disregarded and distrusted by his own manager, it is no wonder that some England substitute players, including Mainoo, felt disheartened.