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Tuchel Leaves Mainoo Unused: Zero Minutes at World Cup

7/17/2026

Summary

Tuchel Benches Mainoo

England manager Thomas Tuchel gave midfielder Kobbie Mainoo no minutes at the 2026 World Cup.
Mainoo was one of five central midfielders selected, alongside Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, James Anderson and Jordan Henderson.
Mainoo and defender Trevoh Chalobah were the only outfield players to finish the tournament with zero minutes.
Tuchel tried a Mainoo-Anderson pairing in training during Rice’s injury but kept other players for matches.

Summary

Tuchel Rejects United

Thomas Tuchel met Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in summer 2024.
He signed a new contract with the Football Association, rejecting the United job.
United’s board said they were relieved his unavailability persisted after his World Cup showing damaged his reputation.
Analysts argue Tuchel’s handling of Kobbie Mainoo accelerated speculation about his national-team departure.
Reports claim that if he leaves the FA, he could be appointed United’s head coach.

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Tuchel Benches Mainoo

England manager Thomas Tuchel gave midfielder Kobbie Mainoo no minutes at the 2026 World Cup.
Mainoo was one of five central midfielders selected, alongside Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, James Anderson and Jordan Henderson.
Mainoo and defender Trevoh Chalobah were the only outfield players to finish the tournament with zero minutes.
Tuchel tried a Mainoo-Anderson pairing in training during Rice’s injury but kept other players for matches.

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