In the context of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, England head coach Thomas Tuchel, having recently extended his contract, evaluated the performances of key players including Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo. Both players have been pivotal in Manchester United's resurgence under manager Michael Carrick, prompting discussions about their eligibility for the national team. This comes after a previous World Cup campaign where no Manchester United players featured in Tuchel's squad, highlighting a potential revival for the club's representation in the national team.

Harry Maguire, at 33 by the time of the World Cup, faces uncertainty regarding his future as his contract nears expiration. Despite this, his leadership and experience continue to play a crucial role for the team. Meanwhile, young talent Kobbie Mainoo, who shone during the Euros, is garnering attention for his recent performances, suggesting he could be a strong contributor to the national squad. The piece reflects on the shifting dynamics within the England team and the potential resurgence of Manchester United players in future selections.

Overall, this weekly series aims to dissect individual player contributions as England prepares for a significant international event, with Tuchel's evaluations set to influence team decisions. As the competition for squad places intensifies, it will be interesting to see if these players can maintain their form and secure a spot on the World Cup roster in 2026.