Luke Littler is known for throwing darts with deadly precision, but this time he’s aiming at England manager Thomas Tuchel. The teenage darts superstar and vocal Manchester United supporter went public with a direct message: give Kobbie Mainoo a real chance at the World Cup, or risk wasting a weapon that’s already proven on the biggest stage.
Mainoo has barely touched the pitch in this tournament. That’s despite England’s midfield looking disjointed at times, especially during a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana that had fans biting their nails. Yes, the Three Lions got through the group stage — they beat Croatia, tied Ghana, and handled Panama — but nobody inside the camp seems satisfied with the way the engine room is running.
Littler said on The Rest is Football podcast that it just doesn’t add up. “I think even in the Euros a few months ago he proved himself there,” Littler 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.”
He’s not wrong. Mainoo was a key figure for England under Gareth Southgate during the last Euros. He started the final three matches, including the crushing loss to Spain. That’s not some kid who needs a soft introduction. That’s a guy who’s already handled the heat and made plays when it counted.
What changed for Mainoo at United
Back at club level, Mainoo spent most of the 2025/26 season watching from the bench under Ruben Amorim. That changed fast when Amorim was fired and Michael Carrick took over at Old Trafford. One of Carrick’s first moves was putting Mainoo back in the starting lineup. And it worked. United climbed to third in the Premier League and grabbed a Champions League spot after a two-year absence. Mainoo was central to that turnaround.
So when Tuchel announced his World Cup squad, Mainoo’s inclusion made sense. But leaving him on the bench while the team struggles to find rhythm in midfield? That’s the part that has Littler and plenty of England fans scratching their heads.
Littler also threw his support behind Harry Maguire being in the squad, calling it a no-brainer. “I think Maguire had to be in there,” he said.
What’s next for England and Mainoo
England faces DR Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. If Mainoo doesn’t get minutes in that match, the questions are only going to get louder. And if England gets past Congo, they’ll face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a massive Round of 16 showdown.
That’s the kind of game where experience in big moments matters. Mainoo has that. The question is whether Tuchel will use it.
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