Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has sent a clear-cut message to Thomas Tuchel over what he can offer him compared with other England players at the World Cup.
Kobbie Mainoo made his first appearance under Thomas Tuchel during the March international break after reclaiming his place in the England squad.
The 21-year-old Manchester United star featured in both of England’s international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley back in March.
Mainoo’s stunning run of form in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford secured his spot in England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup as well.
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Why Kobbie Mainoo thinks he is different from Thomas Tuchel’s other England midfield picks for the World Cup
Thomas Tuchel has included seven key midfielders for his England squad for the World Cup, with Kobbie Mainoo facing a real challenge for a place in the starting XI.
Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze are all midfield picks for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
Tuchel confirmed his England squad last month, with other standout names like Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton missing out on a place in the final selection.
Speaking ahead of England’s June friendlies, Manchester United ace Mainoo insisted that his midfield qualities shine in two other ways compared with other players.
“Try and do what I’ve been doing for my club, trying to control games and dominate games,” he said at England’s training camp, as per BBC Sport.
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Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on going to his first World Cup with England
Mainoo played a starring role at Euro 2024 for England in Germany under former Three Lions manager Sir Gareth Southgate.
The United talent is now heading to his first World Cup with England and Mainoo is keen to make a real impact under Tuchel at the FIFA tournament.
“It’s my dream to be here, so I’m going to be working as hard as I can and, hopefully, I can get on the pitch,” Mainoo added.
England will play New Zealand and Costa Rica in their June friendlies ahead of the Three Lions kicking off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Group L.
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