Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was overlooked again during England's 2-1 win against Norway in the World Cup quarter-final on 11 July 2026. Mainoo was an unused substitute, with head coach Thomas Tuchel deciding to play Chelsea defender Reece James as an auxiliary midfielder instead.
Tuchel's Midfield Choices
James replaced Anthony Gordon in the 71st minute of England's victory. The Chelsea defender had been absent since picking up a hamstring injury against Ghana, but came off the bench to play in midfield. Tuchel explained his decision after the match: "We put in [Reece] James as a six, which freed up Elliot Anderson at the eight, and Jude back on the 10."
Tuchel had previously overlooked Mainoo in favour of bringing on 36-year-old Jordan Henderson against Panama. Henderson returned to the Premier League when he signed for Brentford last year after playing for Ajax and Al-Ettifaq.
Mainoo's World Cup Woes
Mainoo has not made an appearance at the World Cup so far. The Stockport-born midfielder is one of three outfield players in the England squad—along with Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Toney—not to have been given a single minute at the tournament.
Mainoo did not start a Premier League game for United last season until Ruben Amorim was sacked in January. Michael Carrick immediately reinstated him to the team, and his sparkling form in the second half of the campaign earned him a place in England's squad for the World Cup.
Mainoo Reflects on Difficult Season
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 partly thank for his World Cup call-up, he 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."
Rashford's Future Uncertain
Mainoo and Marcus Rashford are United's representatives in the England squad. Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but he will report for United's pre-season after Barca opted against signing him permanently. Recently speaking about his future, Rashford said: "I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted it [a move] done before. If it's not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We're fighting for something special."
Rashford has two years remaining on his £325,000 per week United contract, which was signed in the summer of 2023 after a 30-goal season.
