Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo's World Cup 2026 experience was marked by frustration, with the 21-year-old seemingly unhappy with his role in the England squad.
Mainoo's inexperience and fine form for Man Utd in the Premier League last season led many to expect more from him during the tournament.
However, England manager Thomas Tuchel failed to give him a single minute of action, leaving Mainoo looking forlorn at times.
Mainoo's body language hinted at his dissatisfaction, as he was often the first to leave the stadium and get onto the team bus after matches.
The uncertainty surrounding Mainoo's use by Tuchel has been a significant talking point within the squad, with some questioning whether he was merely there to fill a numbers spot or provide a youthful presence.
Mainoo's profile differs from other young players in the squad, such as Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, suggesting he could have found a role at times during the tournament.
However, the presence of more experienced players may have limited Mainoo's opportunities, leaving him to wonder if he was ever truly considered a viable backup option.
Despite this setback, Mainoo remains optimistic about his future with the national team, having already impressed with 14 caps to his name and a standout performance at Euro 2024.
Mainoo's experiences at both the international and club levels suggest he may be one of those players who doesn't necessarily appeal to every coach, but his form under new Man Utd boss Michael Carrick has been a promising development.
