Could it be that Tuchel holds a grudge against Mainoo?

Kobbie Mainoo was included in the 26-man list selected by Thomas Tuchel to travel to North America. Nevertheless, throughout England's eight games, from the group stage to the third-place match, the 21-year-old MU midfielder did not get any playing time.

In the match against France, when many expected him to have a chance to play as Tuchel rotated the squad with a series of changes, Mainoo was absent due to a back injury and ended the tournament with zero minutes on the pitch.

That is what further raised questions among the English media, as Mainoo was the only midfielder in the England squad who was not given an opportunity at the 2026 World Cup. According to analysis from Sky Sports, the reason is not entirely about form. Mainoo is a type of midfielder strong in ball retention, escaping pressure, and controlling tempo, but Tuchel prioritizes players with high work rate, continuous pressing, and wide coverage of space.

The difference in tactical requirements gradually pushed the MU midfielder to the bottom of the priority order, despite the fact that he was once considered one of the brightest talents in English football after EURO 2024.

Besides the professional factor, the English media also revealed a notable detail. Tuchel was reportedly unhappy with Mainoo's performance in some training sessions before the match against Ghana in the group stage. At that time, the England coach was said to have considered using Mainoo if Declan Rice was not in top physical condition, but ultimately decided to change plans after being dissatisfied with what the young midfielder showed on the training ground.

The fact that Mainoo was continuously overlooked also sparked mixed opinions among experts. Former coach Neil Warnock believed that Tuchel's treatment of Mainoo was "unfair", because if he called up this player, he should give him a chance, especially in the context where England needed more energy and ball-carrying ability in the semi-final against Argentina.

However, from another perspective, the 2026 World Cup is not necessarily the end for Mainoo at the international level. He is only 21 years old and still has plenty of time to develop. Not playing reflects the immense competition in England's midfield, where Tuchel has many quality options with different tactical characteristics. With a long tournament that demands high consistency, the coach always has the right to prioritize the players most suitable for his philosophy.

What is worth waiting for now is Mainoo's reaction after a forgettable World Cup. A new season with MU will open up opportunities for the midfielder born in 2005 to prove his worth, improve his shortcomings, and regain his place in the "Three Lions" shirt.

The disappointment at the 2026 World Cup is certainly a difficult experience for a young player, but it can also become motivation for Mainoo to come back stronger in England's next major tournaments.

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  M.Vu