Luke Littler’s Kobbie Mainoo Plea Puts Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup Decisions Under the Spotlight
England may be through to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but not every decision made by Thomas Tuchel has escaped criticism. One of the loudest voices questioning the England boss has come from an unexpected place, with darts sensation Luke Littler publicly backing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Littler has never hidden his love for Manchester United, and this time he has made it clear he believes Mainoo deserves a chance on football’s biggest stage. His comments have quickly sparked debate among England supporters, especially with Mainoo yet to feature during the tournament despite England’s progress.
Littler’s passionate defence of Mainoo
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Littler did not hold back when discussing Mainoo’s situation.
“I think even in the Euros a few months ago he proved himself there,” he said.
“I don’t get why he is not allowed to prove himself in the World Cup so far but hopefully he does get a chance.”
Those words have resonated with plenty of England and Manchester United supporters who remember how impressive Mainoo looked during Euro 2024. Despite his age, he showed remarkable composure and earned starts in England’s final three matches, including the European Championship final against Spain.
That experience is exactly why many fans expected him to play some role under Tuchel this summer.
England keep winning, but questions remain
From Tuchel’s perspective, changing a winning formula is never easy.
England reached the knockout rounds after victories over Croatia and Panama, along with a draw against Ghana. Results have largely gone their way, giving the manager little reason to rotate heavily.
Even so, Mainoo’s complete absence from the pitch has surprised many observers.
Tournament football is demanding. Squad depth often becomes the difference between lifting the trophy and going home early. Fresh legs and different tactical options can prove invaluable as matches become tighter and opponents improve.
That is why Littler’s comments have attracted attention. They are not simply about supporting a fellow Manchester United figure—they also reflect a wider conversation about whether England are fully using one of their brightest young midfielders.
Mainoo has already shown he belongs
Mainoo is hardly an unknown talent.
His performances during Euro 2024 demonstrated maturity beyond his years. He looked comfortable under pressure, retained possession well and rarely seemed overwhelmed by the occasion. Those displays helped establish him as one of England’s most exciting midfield prospects heading into the World Cup.
Of course, every new tournament starts from zero.
Managers judge players based on current form, tactical balance and the specific needs of each opponent. Still, supporters naturally compare what they have already seen with what is happening now, making Mainoo’s lack of minutes an easy talking point.
Tuchel has made other bold calls too
Mainoo is not the only selection decision that has generated discussion.
During the same interview, Littler also said:
“I think Maguire had to be in there.”
Harry Maguire was one of several established England names left out of Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The England manager has consistently defended his decisions by insisting selection is based on balance, tactical fit and current form rather than reputation alone.
Whether fans agree is another matter entirely.
International football always produces debates over players left out or left on the bench. If England continue winning, Tuchel’s choices will naturally receive less criticism. But one disappointing result could quickly reopen every selection argument.
Littler knows what representing England means
Littler’s comments perhaps carry extra weight because he has recently enjoyed success representing England himself.
The teenage darts star partnered Luke Humphries to win the World Cup of Darts after England defeated the Netherlands in the final, completing a memorable turnaround after last year’s disappointment.
Speaking about that achievement, Littler explained just how difficult team competition can be.
“I think last year was difficult. Obviously, me and Luke planned to win it. But obviously we went to Germany and lost to the Germans which wasn’t the best. This year we turned it around and picked up the trophy. It is hard to get into a rhythm because you have to wait three throws before you throw again.”
His recent experiences representing England may partly explain why he feels strongly about giving talented players opportunities on the biggest stage.
What happens next?
The beauty—and frustration—of tournament football is that situations can change very quickly.
A single injury, suspension or tactical adjustment could suddenly create an opening for Mainoo. If that opportunity comes, many fans will expect him to seize it just as he did during Euro 2024.
On the other hand, Tuchel will point to England’s results as evidence that his approach is working. Managers are ultimately judged by wins and losses, not by whether every popular player gets minutes.
That creates an interesting balance between short-term success and long-term squad development.
The debate is unlikely to disappear
Littler’s comments have added another layer to one of England’s biggest World Cup talking points.
His belief in Mainoo reflects what many supporters have been saying since the tournament began. Whether Tuchel agrees remains to be seen, but every match that passes without Mainoo stepping onto the pitch is likely to fuel more discussion.
For now, England continue chasing World Cup glory while one of their most promising young midfielders waits for his opportunity. If that chance eventually arrives, all eyes will be on Mainoo to show why so many people—including one of Britain’s biggest sporting stars—believe he deserves it. What do you think: should Kobbie Mainoo be given a chance before England’s World Cup journey comes to an end?