Kobbie Mainoo has not played a single minute at the World Cup under England head coach Thomas Tuchel, despite fighting hard to be included in the squad. He is one of three outfield players—along with Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Toney—yet to feature in the tournament.
Tuchel's Surprising Midfield Choices
The situation has been exacerbated by Tuchel giving minutes to 36-year-old Jordan Henderson and right-back Reece James over Mainoo in midfield. England were crying out for someone like Mainoo in the second half of their goalless draw against Ghana, but Tuchel preferred Henderson from the bench in the closing stages against Panama. Henderson, who returned to the Premier League with Brentford after stints at Ajax and Al-Ettifaq, was a surprise inclusion in the squad.
In the quarter-finals against Norway, Tuchel introduced James as an auxiliary midfielder, despite the Chelsea full-back having been absent since a hamstring injury against Ghana. “We put in James as a six, which freed up Elliot Anderson at the eight, and Jude back on the 10,” Tuchel explained.
Mainoo's Professionalism Amidst Snub
Even staunch Liverpool and Manchester City fans would not pick Henderson or James over Mainoo in midfield, according to the article. The only justification for Tuchel's decisions would be if Mainoo were training poorly or causing issues, but history suggests otherwise. Mainoo has kept a smile on his face and maintained his application in training, even when not playing for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. He worked harder to try to change Amorim's mind.
Tuchel had suggested there would be a role for Mainoo when the squad was announced, but the closest Mainoo has come to action is singing 'Wonderwall' with teammates after games. It feels highly unlikely he will appear now, given England are at the semi-final or final stage.
Silver Lining for Manchester United
United supporters have questioned Tuchel's decision, but it has drastically reduced the chances of Mainoo picking up an injury ahead of the new season and should ensure he is fresh and ready for the 2026/27 campaign after a post-tournament break. Not playing a minute at the World Cup will have no impact on how Mainoo is viewed at United, where Michael Carrick knows his value.
Reflecting on a difficult first half of the 2025/26 season, Mainoo told England reporters: “I mean, obviously there were difficult times. But I tried to keep my focus on what was in front of me, take things day by day and just keep working my craft, keep working hard for the team, and I hoped the rest would come. Thankfully it has.” He also credited Carrick: “Definitely, and I told him that I was very grateful. Because if he hadn't put me on the pitch, then I wouldn't have been here so, I'm always grateful to him for that.”
Despite not playing, Mainoo has been part of a World Cup squad and will receive a winner's medal if England end 60 years of hurt. At 21, he has many more international tournaments ahead and will be a key player for United next season.
