Steven Gerrard knows what it takes to be a midfielder for England and he has now given his verdict on Kobbie Mainoo’s World Cup chances.
It has very much been a season of two halves for Kobbie Mainoo in 2025/26. Ruben Amorim overlooked Mainoo and was ready to sell the Carrington graduate, but he has returned to a key player role under Michael Carrick.
Mainoo was recalled to the England squad this week as a result of his United resurgence, and there are also reports that Mainoo is close to signing a new contract that will secure his long-term future at Old Trafford.
It has been quite the revival for the 20-year-old midfielder, and a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad will be his next target.
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Kobbie Mainoo at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, in 2026.
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Steven Gerrard backs Kobbie Mainoo for England spot
Speaking on TNT Sports, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard couldn’t help but praise Mainoo’s turnaround at United and predicted he will “walk in” to Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
“I felt really sorry for him in terms of the kid’s career under Amorim,” Gerrard said. “I think it was out of order that he never got any opportunity, especially with Man United being so inconsistent.
“But I’m not surprised that Michael Carrick [played him]. I think that was one of the straight wins if you walk into a job, if you like. Get Kobbie Mainoo back in, get him smiling, give him game time and minutes, and get him fit and up to the speed where we all know he can play.
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“He’s now at a level where he walks in the England squad, never mind Amorim not playing him. He walks into the England squad if he’s playing regularly for Man United.”
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Kobbie Mainoo during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
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The 2026 World Cup is now around the corner, and Tuchel’s latest 35-man squad is the biggest indication of the players in contention for a spot.
Maguire and Mainoo were recalled, while loanee Marcus Rashford kept his spot in the squad. There was no space, however, for Mason Mount or Luke Shaw.
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Considering this is the last international break before the World Cup begins, Mount and Shaw would have to have an incredible run of form between now and the end of the season to convince Tuchel to bring them back into the squad.
The 35-man squad will have to be cut in the summer for the final World Cup squad, so Maguire and Mainoo are under pressure to earn their spot.
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