Why Thomas Tuchel refused to play Kobbie Mainoo for England at the World Cup as new details emerge

The mystery behind Kobbie Mainoo's lack of minutes at the World Cup has become clearer after new details emerged about his time in England's training camp.

Mainoo, who was one of Manchester United's standout performers in the final stages of the 2025-26 season, was praised by Thomas Tuchel in the build-up to this summer's tournament.

After being recalled to England's 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March, Tuchel said Mainoo had been a "big part" of United's "outstanding" run since Michael Carrick took charge.

Two months later, the midfielder was included in the 26-man World Cup squad and many expected him to feature alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson.

In fact, as Rice continued to struggle with fitness issues, it looked like Mainoo would feature against Ghana on June 23.

He played alongside Anderson in training and, according to the Daily Mail, there was a feeling he was in line to feature in their second group stage game, but Tuchel decided to start with Rice instead.

It is claimed the England head coach was unimpressed by what he saw from Mainoo in training.

Mainoo pictured in training at the World Cup. Image credit: Getty

The report also suggests Mainoo looked increasingly frustrated as the tournament went on. In fact, he was 'always the first player to leave the stadium after a game, alone and with headphones in'.

Previously, the midfielder was accused of not doing enough in training by former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim.

A separate report from The Athletic claims some felt Mainoo had 'simply not done enough' to earn the trust of Tuchel, who opted to play Reece James in midfield when Rice was struggling with injury.

Interestingly, a source close to the England camp insisted Mainoo had trained well this summer, as per the above report.

READ MORE: England players were left 'shocked' by Thomas Tuchel decision vs Argentina as bombshell report emerges

Kobbie Mainoo will be 'wanting answers' after the Argentina game

Speaking in the aftermath of England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, Gary Neville questioned Mainoo's lack of minutes.

"Honestly, we were absolutely dead out on our feet," said Neville on The Overlap's YouTube channel.

"We couldn’t get out of the box. We literally get pushed back, and then the midfield players sag back onto you because their legs have gone. I think the three of them (in midfield) were all absolutely out on their feet.

"You look at today, Declan definitely, he’s not been right since day one, has he? That’s a big problem for us. Him not having the energy and the speed to get to the ball. We know what he’s like; he’s a fantastic player.

"Kobbie Mainoo would be asking a question, wouldn’t he? You’d be wanting answers if you’re Kobbie Mainoo after not coming on at all. Because he can handle the ball a bit as well."