England drew a blank against Ghana, but Thomas Tuchel made matters harder for himself by leaving Kobbie Mainoo on the bench.
The only Manchester United player to play for England against Ghana was Marcus Rashford.
Rashford, 28, came off the bench in the 83rd minute after being overlooked – in consecutive games – for Anthony Gordon on the left flank.
England’s latest result will lead to more questions about Tuchel’s selections thus far. And Kobbie Mainoo is still waiting to make his World Cup debut.
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England needed Kobbie Mainoo against Ghana
Tuchel made two changes to his England team for their World Cup clash with Ghana, bringing in Man City’s Marc Guehi and Tottenham’s Djed Spence for John Stones and Nico O’Reilly.
While Mainoo was not expected to start, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson being Tuchel’s primary midfield options, the sheer reluctance to bring on Mainoo was alarming.
Rice started the game strongly but was let down by his partner on the night. Anderson, who was linked with a move to United before Nottingham Forest priced the midfielder out of a potential move to Old Trafford, was far too slow in possession.
It was abundantly clear at half-time that England needed a midfielder who would have been more protective with his forward passing.
This is why Mainoo was the perfect solution – in waiting – only to be ignored and denied a chance to make his World Cup debut. His press-resistant dribbling might have made the difference.
In the 65th minute, Tuchel brought O’Reilly on in midfield, which means the coach has other options he views higher in the pecking order than Mainoo.
It’s worth acknowledging that England also had problems down the left wing. Gordon has been disappointing in his first two matches in Group L, and Rashford will feel he warrants a start after his goal in the opening match against Croatia.
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Kobbie Mainoo has Ghana connection
It would have been a special occasion had Mainoo made his World Cup debut for England against Ghana.
Both of Mainoo’s parents – Felix and Abena Herold – are originally from Ghana.
Mainoo’s dad immigrated to the United Kingdom, where he met and married Mainoo’s mother.
It’s a shame that Mainoo didn’t get to make an appearance against Ghana.
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