Mainoo's Mystery: England's Euro Finalist, Now World Cup Benchwarmer

Right now, Mainoo's one of just three England outfielders cooling their heels in the USA and Mexico. The others? Ivan Toney, told straight up by Thomas Tuchel he's a finisher—only on if Harry Kane pulls something. (Kane, by the way, has six goals and looks perfectly fine.) Then there's Trevoh Chalobah, a last-minute injury fill-in for Tino Livramento, with John Stones ahead of him. Makes sense. Mainoo? Not so much.

But Mainoo's purgatory? That's the real head-scratcher. Tuchel keeps finding excuses, keeps reaching for *anyone* else. Look at the Norway quarter-final: Declan Rice was running on fumes, only managed 45 minutes after a bout of illness. So, what did Tuchel do? Shoved Eberechi Eze on for a more attacking role. Then, bizarrely, Reece James trotted out. James, mind you, was nursing a hamstring and playing out of position, nowhere near his usual right-back spot. Still, Mainoo stayed glued to the bench.

James eventually shuffled back into defence. The vacant midfield spot? Morgan Rogers got the nod. Mainoo? Still there. Still watching.

Sky Sports noticed it: Mainoo's the first one out of the dressing room post-match. First one on the team bus. Always alone. Not saying he's throwing a tantrum, but the kid looks lost. Like he's a ghost haunting what should be the peak of his 19-year-old life. Pretty grim picture, wouldn't you say?

Sure, Rice and Elliot Anderson are Tuchel's go-to boys in midfield. Anderson, to his credit, found another gear after his mid-tournament move to Manchester City, putting in a shift against Norway. But even with that, does it really explain Mainoo's total disappearance? Doesn't feel like it.