Kobbie Mainoo is one of only four outfield England players yet to play a minute at the 2026 World Cup.
The others are Dan Burn, third-choice striker Ivan Toney and late call-up Trevoh Chalobah. With England struggling to break sides down, there have been calls for the Manchester United man to be better utilised by Thomas Tuchel, who's yet to call upon the midfielder.
While Elliot Anderson hasn't been quite as influential for England as he was last season for Nottingham Forest, his place as the team's midfield controller isn't in doubt.
Declan Rice was taken off against Croatia due to fatigue, with his season not finishing until June owing to the UEFA Champions League, and he was rested against Panama with the Arsenal man a yellow card away from suspension. When Rice was rested, Jude Bellingham dropped into midfield with Morgan Rogers operating as a number 10, pushing Mainoo further down the pecking order.
Bet on England at the World Cup
It's since been revealed Rice has been managing a long-term hamstring problem, and was seen icing his hamstring after being taken off against DR Congo.
On top of that, England are desperately short of right-backs, with the injury-prone Reece James suffering a setback in England's second game, and his replacement Jarell Quansah injuring his ankle against Panama.
With Djed Spence hooked during the 2-1 win over DR Congo, Rice was shifted to right-back, and it's potentially an option Thomas Tuchel could consider against Mexico.
James's fitness could put an immediate end to that notion; if the Chelsea man is fit to start against Mexico he'll be one of the first names on the team sheet, but if he's not, Tuchel has a decision to make.
Tuchel selected just four central midfielders in his 26-man World Cup squad with each having rather unique profiles. Declan Rice of course is one of the world's best set-piece takers and his engine can see him serve as an all-action midfielder, while Anderson is tasked with sitting deeper and breaking lines with his passing.
While Mainoo has neither Rice's physicality nor Anderson's passing ability, he's England's best midfield ball-carrier, capable of evading pressure and beating defenders.
Henderson's role was the most scrutinised with the Brentford man seemingly called up for his experience and dressing room presence more than his on-pitch abilities.
"If we play anybody else at right-back other than Declan Rice, we'll get ripped to bits!"
— bet365 (@bet365) July 3, 2026
@AdamCatterall has his say on England's team selection against Mexico. 🇲🇽🏴 pic.twitter.com/dFBuWF1ZZ4
