Mainoo was part of England’s tournament squad but did not appear, despite remaining involved throughout the competition. Tuchel had planned to use him against France in the third-place play-off, only for an injury in the build-up to remove that final opportunity.
The midfielder’s omission drew criticism, but Tuchel insisted it was not a reflection of Mainoo’s attitude or application.
“He didn't put a foot wrong during the World Cup,” Tuchel explained. “He was class in behaviour on the training pitch.”
That is a significant endorsement from an international manager, even if it came alongside a frank admission that other options were trusted more at the time. Reece James was used in central midfield, while Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice were preferred during the tournament.
Mainoo’s response has come through his performances for United. Since returning to club football, he has impressed in midfield and begun developing a partnership with Youri Tielemans.
That momentum matters. A strong display against Fulham would give Mainoo the ideal platform before reporting for England duty, where the competition for midfield places remains intense.
Tuchel has already made his intention clear: “I expect him to be on the pitch and it's my duty to get him on the pitch.”
England’s first major examination of the window comes against Spain on 26 September, followed by fixtures against Czechia and Croatia. Mainoo’s involvement will be watched closely, particularly after a tournament in which he was present but unused.
For the player, the objective is simple: turn Tuchel’s public accountability into meaningful minutes. For England, the next window could reveal whether Mainoo is finally ready to become a regular part of the midfield picture.