Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire have been recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has earned an England call-up after his impressive form under Michael Carrick.
BBC Sport report Mainoo and defender Harry Maguire will be named in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. It is an expanded 35-man squad – but there is no place for Luke Shaw.
On loan Marcus Rashford has also been named in the squad, while former United midfielder James Garner also makes it.
Mainoo and Maguire fully deserve their call-ups; having been named as starters in every Manchester United game since Carrick took over.
The recognition comes after Mainoo was omitted from all three England squads in the first half of the season, after barely being used at club level under Ruben Amorim.
So what does Mainoo and Maguire’s recall actually mean for Manchester United? Let’s take a look…
Kobbie Mainoo at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, in 2026.
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
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Contracts
The big question mark hanging over Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United relates to his contract.
Mainoo is still on the deal he signed in 2023, which expires in 2027. There is an option to extend to 2028.
United need to get this sorted out, and the England recall can have some bearing on it.
Firstly, Mainoo can be reassured that staying at Manchester United is the right move for his career. He can continue to achieve his England ambitions by staying at the club. This was clearly in doubt under Ruben Amorim.
Secondly, this strengthens Mainoo’s case for a substantial pay rise as a top first team star. As an England international who could go to the World Cup, his negotiating hand is strengthened – and United cannot afford to lose him on the cheap.
Harry Maguire’s contract expires at the end of the season, and talks are ongoing over a potential new deal.
United won’t want to lose a potential World Cup star on a free, who is contributing at a high level for the club. This strengthens his case for a new deal.
Should Harry Maguire get a contract extension beyond the 2025/26 season?
Harry Maguire celebrating at Anfield
Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images
Pre-season
There is a knock-on impact for Manchester United’s pre-season plans if Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo both go to the World Cup.
Both players would return late from the tournament and miss the start of pre-season.
This can’t be helped, but United need to plan accordingly.
Mainoo’s absence would further highlight United’s need to strengthen in midfield. Casemiro is leaving at the end of the season.
Meanwhile Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will also be going to the World Cup.
When United report for pre-season, the club could be relying on youth team stars to hold the fort in midfield.
This will provide an interesting opportunity – but it also will reinforce United’s need to get new faces in as soon as possible, to take the pressure off Mainoo when he is available.
Full England squad
The full England squad is listed below…
Position Player Club
Goalkeepers Dean Henderson Crystal Palace
Jordan Pickford Everton
Aaron Ramsdale Newcastle United
Jason Steele Brighton & Hove Albion
James Trafford Manchester City
Defenders Dan Burn Newcastle United
Marc Guéhi Crystal Palace
Lewis Hall Newcastle United
Ezri Konsa Aston Villa
Tino Livramento Newcastle United
Harry Maguire Manchester United
Nico O’Reilly Manchester City
Jarell Quansah Bayer Leverkusen
Djed Spence Tottenham Hotspur
John Stones Manchester City
Fikayo Tomori AC Milan
Midfielders Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest
Jude Bellingham Real Madrid
James Garner Everton
Jordan Henderson Brentford
Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United
Declan Rice Arsenal
Morgan Rogers Aston Villa
Adam Wharton Crystal Palace
Forwards Jarrod Bowen West Ham United
Dominic Calvert-Lewin Leeds United
Eberechi Eze Arsenal
Phil Foden Manchester City
Anthony Gordon Newcastle United
Harry Kane Bayern Munich
Noni Madueke Arsenal
Cole Palmer Chelsea
Marcus Rashford Barcelona (loan)
Bukayo Saka Arsenal
Dominic Solanke Tottenham Hotspur
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