Rio Ferdinand shares what he finds ‘weird’ about Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo’s England recall

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Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire both returned to the England set-up in this week’s friendly squad announcement, for the first time under Thomas Tuchel.

With March being the final international break before the 2026 World Cup arrives, it was the final chance for Manchester United players to get into their manager’s mind.

United players hadn’t represented England in years, but that’s all changed this month, with Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire called up.

Mason Mount and Luke Shaw missed out of Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man squad, but something about the call-up for Mainoo and Maguire has left Rio Ferdinand wondering.

What is YOUR reaction to Kobbie Mainoo’s recall for England?

What is Ruben Amorim thinking right now?!

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Rio Ferdinand thinks there is something weird about Thomas Tuchel’s England squad

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, after United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, Ferdinand explained what he found weird about the England squad.

“Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, both back in the England fold, guys. How are we feeling about that? I’m happy to see it.

“Although it is a 35-man squad, and you’re thinking, does that mean anything? That’s the thing I want I’d like to see.

“When you’re in the squad, and you’re thinking like 35, if I train well, is that going to get me in the team or in the squad, or is it just down to the match?

“Like it’s weird. It’s a weird situation. Never been seen before, to be fair. So, we’ll see how the players react to it.”

Thomas has cast his net wide this month, calling up more than he usually would into a squad, likely to gauge where the likes of Mainoo are in relation to other midfielders before narrowing the group for June.

But what Ferdinand finds weird will probably just spark serious competition between the players, who will all want to earn their place in the 26-man final list.

Should Kobbie Mainoo be in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup?

After recent form, will Thomas Tuchel be convinced?

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Kobbie Mainoo should be a shoo-in for the England squad

When looking at the squad selected, Mainoo’s inclusion in the ultimate 26-man squad should be a formality given his current form and qualities.

Mainoo has been there with England already, key in the 2024 European Championship run to the final at the age of 18, which is a glowing show of his ability and how good he can be.

All it took was a run of games in a competent system, and Mainoo is back to being called into the England squad, and will surely be fighting with Elliot Anderson for the role beside Declan Rice.

But in this battle, Mainoo and Rice offer a brilliant contrast together, making for a balanced midfield, while Anderson is almost too much of a Rice-style midfielder.