Kobbie Mainoo has withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad because of an injury issue, adding to a difficult period for the Manchester United midfielder. The 21-year-old was initially selected for England’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures but was one of five players forced to pull out before the start of the international window.
Mainoo’s withdrawal comes as England prepare to face world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, before away fixtures against Czechia and Croatia. The Manchester United midfielder was included in Tuchel’s original squad alongside fellow midfielders Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Cole Palmer and Alex Scott.
Before the injury-enforced withdrawal, Tuchel had offered an encouraging assessment of Mainoo’s role in the squad. Asked whether the midfielder would play during the upcoming matches, the England manager said: “Yes, I expect him to be on the pitch and it is my duty to put him on the pitch.”
Mainoo has endured a frustrating spell at club level, where he has struggled for consistent starts under Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim. Competition for midfield places, including the continued presence of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, has made it difficult for the England international to establish a regular role in the side.
His lack of game time has led to speculation over his future, including the possibility of a loan move in January. Mainoo was reportedly frustrated after a potential summer move away from Old Trafford did not materialize, while clubs across Europe are understood to be monitoring his situation.
However, the England withdrawal should not be viewed as a definitive indication that Mainoo has fallen out of Tuchel’s plans. His initial inclusion, combined with Tuchel’s public comments, suggests the midfielder remains part of the manager’s thinking when fit and available.
England have called up Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White after Mainoo, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento were ruled out with their respective injury issues.
