Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel again in England's final World Cup group game against Panama, with Jordan Henderson introduced as a substitute in the 84th minute while Mainoo remained an unused substitute.
Henderson's Controversial Inclusion
Henderson, 36, was a controversial inclusion in England's squad for the tournament. He returned to the Premier League last year when he signed for Brentford after playing for Ajax and Al-Ettifaq. Mainoo, who worked hard to earn his place in the squad, has not played a single minute so far, making him one of three outfield players (along with Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Toney) yet to feature.
Mainoo's Season Turnaround
Mainoo did not start a Premier League game this season for United until Ruben Amorim was sacked in January. Michael Carrick immediately reinstated him, and his sparkling form in the second half of the campaign earned him a World Cup spot. Reflecting on the first half of his season, Mainoo told reporters in the USA: “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.”
When asked if he had Carrick to thank for his call-up, Mainoo said: “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.”
Tuchel's Justification
Tuchel insisted Mainoo had a role to play at the World Cup, stating: “The squad has a significant number of players that will compete for starting minutes and starting places, [which] also gives us the chance to rotate on a high level and a significant number of players who carry the [sporting] responsibility on the highest level. We have a huge chunk of youthfulness in the squad. We have six players who have won titles with the under-21s. We have Kobbie, who is still young and has won his titles [and] we have Nico O’Reilly on top, who is young and already won his medals.”
However, Mainoo has watched from the bench, while O'Reilly has started two games and made an appearance from the bench in another. The irony is that Mainoo's skillset would have been hugely beneficial against Panama and Ghana, especially in the latter fixture where England struggled to unlock a low block.
Bizarre Decision
Henderson was important for Brentford last season, but anyone who watched him and Mainoo in the Premier League should agree that it was strange to see him get onto the pitch over the United talent against Panama. The former Liverpool midfielder has been picked for his leadership and close relationship with Jude Bellingham, but he represents the past for England, while Mainoo is a key part of the future. Perhaps Tuchel will redeem himself by introducing Mainoo in the knockout rounds.
