Thomas Tuchel admits Kobbie Mainoo's World Cup omission 'hurt' him

England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted it “hurt” him that Kobbie Mainoo did not get a single minute at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Manchester United midfielder has been recalled for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, with Tuchel saying it is now his responsibility to give the 21-year-old an opportunity.

Mainoo was part of England’s World Cup squad but remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament. Speaking after naming his latest squad on Friday, Tuchel explained why he preferred Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in midfield and why Mainoo would have played in the third-place match against France had he not been injured.