Kobbie Mainoo has cut a forlorn figure at this World Cup 2026, one of only three outfield players yet to feature. Ivan Toney and Trevoh Chalobah are the others, but their roles are clearer — Chalobah was a late replacement for injured Tino Livramento, while Toney was told he is a "finisher" behind Harry Kane, who has scored six goals.

For Mainoo, there is disappointment. He has been first to leave the dressing room and team bus after each of England's six matches, often walking alone. The Manchester United midfielder started the Euro 2024 final at 18, but has not played a minute in the USA and Mexico. That is surprising given Jordan Henderson's tournament ended with a broken wrist, and the midfield alternatives Thomas Tuchel has preferred.

Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are the favoured pairing. Rice battled illness but played until the Norway quarter-final, where a stomach bug limited him to 45 minutes. Mainoo might have expected a chance, but Tuchel brought on Eberechi Eze for attacking impetus, then Reece James in midfield despite a hamstring issue. When James moved back to defence, Morgan Rogers came on instead. Tuchel's reasoning is hard to fault as he chases the ultimate prize, with England facing Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final.