Kobbie Mainoo remains on the sidelines at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Manchester United midfielder one of three England outfield players still waiting for their first appearance as Thomas Tuchel prepares for a blockbuster semi-final against Argentina. England have enjoyed an impressive run to the last four, setting up a mouth-watering clash with the reigning world champions on Wednesday. Mainoo has yet to feature in Qatar, with fierce competition in midfield limiting his opportunities. The 21-year-old has been unable to break into a well-balanced unit featuring Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson, all of whom have played key roles in England’s march to the semi-finals. Tuchel has largely trusted the same core of players since the tournament-opening 4-2 victory over Croatia, making only minor adjustments as England continued their winning run. That consistency has left Mainoo watching from the bench, despite arriving at the tournament as one of England’s brightest young midfield talents. Mainoo is not alone in his wait. Defender Trevoh Chalobah and striker Ivan Toney are the only other England squad members yet to play a single minute. Chalobah joined the squad as a late replacement for the injured Tino Livramento but has not forced his way into Tuchel’s defensive plans. Toney, meanwhile, faces the difficult task of dislodging captain Harry Kane, whose leadership and goalscoring pedigree have kept him firmly in the starting lineup.Unless injury or tactical necessity intervenes, the Brentford forward may struggle to earn meaningful game time.
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