Thomas Tuchel reportedly unimpressed by Kobbie Mainoo during World Cup training

By George Aldridge — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

Mainoo’s World Cup Experience

England manager Thomas Tuchel was reportedly dissatisfied with Kobbie Mainoo’s performance during training sessions leading up to the World Cup group stage match against Ghana. The Manchester United midfielder had been considered for a role due to fitness concerns surrounding Declan Rice.

Despite making his way into Tuchel’s final squad for the tournament, Mainoo, who is 21 years old, did not play any minutes during England’s World Cup campaign. England’s run concluded with a semi-final loss to Argentina.

Calls for Boycott and Managerial Change

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has suggested that Mainoo should decline to play in England’s third-place decider against France on Saturday. Butt argued that Mainoo has been consistently overlooked by Tuchel throughout the summer.

Butt expressed his belief that there is an issue with Mainoo’s situation, stating that he would refuse to play in what he called a “stupid third-place game” if he were Mainoo, citing the risk of injury for a “pointless jumped-up friendly.”

Butt also called for the Football Association to dismiss Tuchel following England’s exit from the World Cup. He suggested that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe or USA chief Mauricio Pochettino would be better options for the England managerial position.

According to Butt, Tuchel’s tenure cannot continue, especially after what he described as negative tactical approaches in the semi-final against Argentina. Butt acknowledged Tuchel’s success as a club manager but indicated that the national team dynamic might not suit him.

Other Transfer News

In other transfer developments, Marcus Rashford has reportedly declined offers that were more financially lucrative than his current terms at Manchester United, and his £40m release clause has now expired. Arsenal is showing interest in signing Cardiff City youngster Axel Donczew.

Nottingham Forest has intensified its pursuit of Fiorentina right-back Dodo. Newcastle has engaged in discussions with Brighton regarding a potential deal for goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. Tottenham continues to negotiate the final details for a deal involving Manchester City winger Savinho.

Chelsea has rejected two offers from Como for Trevoh Chalobah, with at least two other clubs also reportedly interested in the defender. In Scottish football, Lawrence Shankland was named Rangers’ captain for a recent friendly in Spain, and Callum Osmand plans to meet with Martin O’Neil to discuss his role at Celtic.

Meanwhile, Argentina players were reportedly surprised by England’s response after taking the lead in the semi-final, as well as by the defensive nature of Tuchel’s substitutions. Some England players believe that the tactical changes did not benefit the team against Argentina.

Lionel Messi reportedly criticised England’s tactics after Argentina eliminated Tuchel’s team from the World Cup. Additionally, Enzo Fernandez deleted a social media post that appeared to mock England following Argentina’s semi-final victory.

Chelsea was also reported to have removed a photograph of Enzo Fernandez from their social media platforms due to negative reactions from English fans. Arsenal’s William Saliba is expected to be unavailable for France’s match against England this weekend, with concerns about potential back surgery.

Tuchel is anticipated to make several changes to his starting line-up for the match against France on Saturday night, with Mainoo expected to make his first appearance after having been on the bench for seven games.

Source: skysports.com