England Manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup Decisions Under Scrutiny

By Arjun Sharma — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

England manager Thomas Tuchel reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo during training sessions leading up to the World Cup group stage match against Ghana. Despite concerns over Declan Rice’s fitness, Mainoo did not play any minutes in the tournament.

Mainoo did not play a single minute in the World Cup, a decision that has drawn scrutiny. Tuchel’s choice to call up the midfielder and then not utilise him has been highlighted as one of several questionable decisions made by the manager during the tournament. Critics have pointed out that the team’s midfield struggled to maintain possession in various matches, including against Norway.

Tuchel’s Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny

Throughout the tournament, England’s midfield faced challenges. In all seven matches, Tuchel substituted either Rice or Elliot Anderson, but only once did he replace them with another central midfielder, bringing on Jordan Henderson for the final six minutes against Panama. This approach left Mainoo, an in-form central midfielder known for his combative play and ability to dribble out of pressure, on the sidelines.

Against Argentina in the semi-final, England’s possession dropped significantly after taking the lead. During this period, Tuchel made substitutions that involved bringing on additional defenders, rather than addressing the midfield’s struggles. Some England players reportedly felt that these tactical changes did not benefit the team.

The decision to overlook Mainoo was particularly noted during the match against Norway, where Tuchel’s attempt to rectify an earlier substitution by bringing on Eberechi Eze for Rice reportedly compromised Jude Bellingham’s effectiveness as a No.10. Many found it puzzling that Mainoo was not introduced into the game.

Impact on Mainoo and Managerial Future

Despite Mainoo’s strong performances for Manchester United in the latter half of the season, where he delivered what were described as some of the most complete midfield displays of his career, Tuchel seemingly remained unconvinced. Some reports suggest that Tuchel’s treatment of Mainoo indicates a potential mismatch in vision, especially considering the midfielder’s impact at his club.

Tuchel met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. However, Tuchel ultimately signed a new deal with the Football Association. His handling of Mainoo and other tactical choices during the World Cup have reportedly damaged his standing.

The England squad reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, but some observers believe this was achieved despite, rather than because of, Tuchel’s management. The manager’s perceived inability to recognise Mainoo’s strengths has been highlighted as one of several errors made during the summer.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has reportedly declined more lucrative offers than his current terms at Manchester United, and his release clause has expired. In other transfer news, Arsenal is showing interest in Cardiff City youngster Axel Donczew, while Nottingham Forest is pursuing Fiorentina right-back Dodo. Newcastle has held discussions with Brighton regarding goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, and Tottenham is finalising a deal for Manchester City winger Savinho. Chelsea has rejected two offers from Como for Trevoh Chalobah, with other clubs also interested in the defender. In Scottish football, Lawrence Shankland was named Rangers’ captain for a friendly in Spain, and Callum Osmand plans to meet with Martin O’Neil to discuss his role at Celtic.

William Saliba of Arsenal is not expected to participate when France plays England this weekend, amid concerns he may require back surgery.

Enzo Fernandez reportedly deleted a social media post that featured himself, Lionel Messi, and Leandro Paredes, which appeared to mock England after Argentina’s semi-final victory.

Chelsea was compelled to remove a photograph of Enzo Fernandez from their social media platforms following negative reactions from English fans.

Lionel Messi reportedly criticised England’s tactics after Argentina eliminated Tuchel’s team from the World Cup.

The Argentina team was reportedly surprised by England’s response after taking the lead in their World Cup semi-final, and were taken aback by the defensive nature of Tuchel’s substitutions.

The Manchester United midfielder was last seen in a warm-up friendly against Costa Rica on June 10.

Source: skysports.com