Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has yet to make an appearance at the World Cup, and it is unknown whether England manager Thomas Tuchel has plans to play him in the third-place play-off against France on Saturday. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson were preferred ahead of the Man United academy graduate, and a training ground incident appeared to have limited the chances of the Red Devils star. There was a feeling Mainoo was set to feature in the second group game against Ghana when Rice started to struggle with his fitness, according to the Daily Mail. The 21-year-old played in central midfield alongside Anderson in training. However, Tuchel had not liked what he saw, and he stuck with the Arsenal star for the game.
It was also noted that Mainoo was the first player to leave the stadium after almost every match, and he was always alone and with his headphones on. Many had expected the Man United midfielder to be selected against Panama as Tuchel made several changes. However, the Three Lions boss opted for Jude Bellingham and Anderson in midfield after resting Rice.
Mainoo featured against New Zealand and Costa Rica in the two friendly games England played shortly before the World Cup.
He put in decent performances in those games but Tuchel was not convinced the youngster could help influence games at the tournament.
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