Kobbie Mainoo was the only outfield player named in England’s 26-man squad not to play a single minute throughout the entirety of the World Cup.
The Manchester United midfielder, who was named in the squad alongside Marcus Rashford, played 30 games for his club last season, scoring once and providing three assists.
He also featured in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championships in 2024, playing a prominent part in the squad as England made the final.
Some supporters had expected the France game, which Thomas Tuchel was expected to drop key individuals for, to be Mainoo’s chance to show his abilities in an England shirt to the manager.
Mainoo did not feature, however, with the Three Lions’ official X account saying: “Kobbie Mainoo is ruled out of today’s matchday squad to face France due to injury.”
After the game, which saw England win 6-4, Tuchel addressed the situation, providing an update on the midfielder ahead of his return to Manchester United.
Speaking to the media following the match, the England boss stated: “Kobbie was injured in the last training session.
“He felt a sharp pain in the back.”
Whilst a major hindrance to Tuchel’s selection, this injury may also concern Michael Carrick as he prepares for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Mainoo played a crucial part in Carrick’s squad during his initial interim managerial spell at the club, scoring the deciding goal against Liverpool to help secure Champions League qualification for next season.
An injury could rule the midfielder out of pre-season, severely affecting Carrick’s choices ahead of his side’s opening Premier League game against Hull City.
Manuel Ugarte is already out of action, having been injured earlier in the tournament, and it now appears that Mainoo has joined that list.
Manchester United will continue to monitor the Englishman as he returns to the club ahead of next season.
Kobbie Mainoo is ruled out of today’s matchday squad to face France due to injury.
— England (@England) July 18, 2026
🚨🚨🎙️| Thomas Tuchel on Kobbie Mainoo:
“Kobbie was injured in the last training session yesterday morning. He felt a sharp pain in the back.” pic.twitter.com/EZVeshc8mO
— centredevils. (@centredevils) July 19, 2026
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