Rice's Doubts Over Mainoo's World Cup Credentials Contrast With Earlier Optimism

Declan Rice's relationship with fellow England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo appears somewhat complicated, with the Arsenal vice-captain simultaneously holding doubts about aspects of the Manchester United man's game whilst previously entertaining thoughts about his World Cup credentials.

Rice will anchor England's midfield alongside Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson at this summer's tournament, with Mainoo available as a backup option after securing his place in Thomas Tuchel's squad. The United academy graduate has earned his selection following an impressive second half of the campaign, during which he helped his club secure Champions League qualification.

Mainoo's route back to prominence proved unconventional. Earlier in the 2025/26 season, his Old Trafford future looked uncertain, yet Michael Carrick's appointment coincided with a remarkable rehabilitation. The midfielder became one of United's standout performers during their run-in, catching the attention of England's hierarchy in the process.

According to reports, Rice was left contemplating whether Mainoo might actually make the cut roughly three months ago, when the United midfielder began featuring regularly under Carrick's management. Yet this apparent backing masks deeper reservations. Rice is reportedly sceptical of Mainoo's defensive contributions, with concerns raised about his off-the-ball productivity and occasional lapses in that department.

The tension between these positions—wondering whether Mainoo deserved selection whilst questioning his defensive credentials—suggests Rice's perspective has been somewhat fluid, or perhaps that his initial optimism about the midfielder's prospects was tempered by closer scrutiny of his weaknesses.

Meanwhile, Tuchel faces selection dilemmas elsewhere in his starting XI. Alan Shearer has counselled the England manager to overlook Arsenal's Noni Madueke should Bukayo Saka prove unavailable, advocating instead for Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford as wing options either side of Harry Kane. That pairing, Shearer suggests, would provide pace, pressing intensity, and defensive solidity—qualities Madueke may not guarantee.

Cole Palmer's omission from the squad has also drawn commentary. Frank Lampard acknowledged the Chelsea forward's talents but questioned Tuchel's reasoning. Palmer has operated predominantly as a number ten for his club rather than on the flank, and Lampard wondered whether the manager envisages him operating in a wide role with the same dynamic, direct threat he provides centrally. Lampard did praise Palmer's fearlessness and ability to unlock defences during sluggish passages of play, particularly in hot conditions where matches risk becoming attritional.