Thomas Tuchel smiles after being announced as England head coach, October 2024
Thomas Tuchel, England manager
Thomas Tuchel announces his England squad for March 2026 fixtures today and is expected to issue an eyebrow-raising recall.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is in line to return to the Three Lions' setup after almost a two-year hiatus, as per Sky Sports.
Mainoo rarely featured for his club side earlier this season, seemingly frozen out by former Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim. However, since the appointment of interim boss Michael Carrick, Mainoo has come to the fore once again, playing regularly at Old Trafford.
Article continues below
Tuchel believes the 20-year-old's performances warrant a recall to the national team setup, which will serve as a huge shot in the arm for Mainoo's World Cup chances.
This month is the final international window before the tournament begins in June and typically is viewed by managers as an opportunity to make final decisions on who will and won't make their eventual squad.
Get VIP Manchester United tickets HERE with Seat Unique!
Get VIP Manchester United tickets HERE with Seat Unique!
"Kobbie Mainoo expected to be included in Thomas Tuchel England squad later this morning. First time the [Man United] midfielder has been called up under Tuchel", Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett posted on Friday morning.
Mainoo's last appearance in an England shirt came in September 2024, under interim Three Lions coach Lee Carsley.
The Manchester United midfielder started England's European Championship Final defeat to Spain in July 2024 but fell out of the Three Lions' reckoning due to limited gametime at club level in the intervening period.
Tuchel's midfield options during the most recent international window back in November 2025 included several fellow Premier League stars but it is expected one or more will drop out to accommodate Mainoo.
England midfielders, Nov 2025: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).
Get VIP England tickets HERE with Seat Unique!
Get VIP England tickets HERE with Seat Unique!
Since Carrick's interim appointment at Old Trafford, Mainoo has made nine league starts with Manchester United winning seven and drawing one of those matches. Mainoo has also registered two assists during that time.
In FourFourTwo's opinion, Mainoo's recall is only good news for England. The Manchester United youngster is a very talented player who many deemed to have been unfairly overlooked by Amorim and is clearly in-form at present.
Players with prior international experience, particularly of the latter stages of major international tournaments, who are coming into form as the season reaches a climax is a huge positive as theoretically Mainoo will carry his recent displays for Manchester United into his outings with England at the World Cup, should he make the squad.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Morgan Rogers of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on October 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim
JJ Gabriel in action for Manchester United U18s
Liverpool flags wave on the Kop as the fans sing 'you'll never walk alone' prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Ipswich Town FC at Anfield on January 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Dele Alli celebrates after scoring for Tottenham against Arsenal in the last-ever North London derby at White Hart Lane in April 2017.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Max Dowman of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Arsenal Stadium on October 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Dan Burn of Newcastle United scores their side's first goal during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Arsenal forward Eberechi Eze is facing a late fitness test
James Tarkowski missed out for Everton against Arsenal
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was substituted against Galatasaray
Trevoh Chalobah looked to be in serious discomfort after being hauled off against PSG
Could Cristian Romero be on his way out of the club?
Liam Rosenior coach of Chelsea FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy.