Thomas Tuchel admits it hurt him to snub Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo at the World Cup

Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo did not play a single minute for England during this summer’s World Cup

England head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted it “hurt him” not to play Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo at this summer’s World Cup. Mainoo was called up to the Three Lions’ squad but did not play a single minute of the tournament. The 21-year-old was meant to feature against France in the third-place play-off but was injured in the build-up to the game.

Tuchel’s decision to overlook Mainoo led to criticism from some pundits. Former United midfielder Nicky Butt advised Mainoo to refuse to play for England in that game against France, describing it as a “stupid, nonsense game”.

Tuchel has called the midfielder up for the upcoming international break for fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia in the Nations League. When asked about the summer and Mainoo’s limited role in the England squad, Tuchel explained why the United man was overlooked.

“I expect him to be on the pitch and it’s my duty to get him on the pitch. That was totally on me,” the England boss said. “He didn’t put a foot wrong during the World Cup. He was class in behaviour on the training pitch.

“There was big competition; we played Reece [James] in central midfield also. Elliot Anderson is amazing for us, Declan Rice is a very unique player. We trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie. It was difficult for him. It was on me.

“He got injured before the France game so we couldn’t even give him minutes there, which hurt me. Maybe he was more hurt than me but it was my responsibility and it’s my responsibility to reward him for that.”

Since returning from the World Cup, Mainoo has cemented his spot in United’s midfield. He was excellent on his first start against Ipswich and has started to strike a good partnership with Youri Tielemans in the middle.

Mainoo is expected to start again for the Reds at Fulham on Sunday, before linking up with his England colleagues. The Three Lions’ first match of the extended international break will be against Spain on September 26.