Sharp back pain sidelines Mainoo as Tuchel reshapes England XI

Thomas Tuchel said sharp back pain forced Kobbie Mainoo out of England’s bronze‑final against France at the World Cup, a match played in Miami, Florida where England triumphed 6‑4. The 21‑year‑old’s absence was a surprise after the Three Lions had lost 1‑0 to Argentina three days earlier.

Against France, Tuchel was expected to hand starts to players who had not featured much or at all this month, and the clearest beneficiaries were goalkeeper Dean Henderson and striker Ivan Toney. England coach Tuchel made seven changes to his starting XI as the side took the field without the Manchester United youngster.

“Kobbie was injured in the last training session yesterday morning,” Tuchel said of the 21‑year‑old on Saturday. “He had a sharp pain in the back within the training and he was not ready to play.” The injury was announced before kick‑off in Miami, Florida.

England took a 1‑0 second‑half lead through Anthony Gordon, only to see France equalise when Enzo Fernandez struck from the edge of the box. The French comeback continued as Lautaro Martinez headed a late goal to seal a spot in the final against Spain.

Yet Mainoo would have been another obvious option in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo (right) did not feature at all for England at the World Cup (PA), leaving fans to wonder how his presence might have altered the game.

Many England supporters lamented the loss of a midfielder who could keep hold of the ball, suggesting Mainoo would have been capable. However, he would have needed to be thrust into the game with zero minutes to his name, after Tuchel did not hand him any match time throughout the tournament.