Kobbie Mainoo injured on England World Cup duty

Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has been injured on England World Cup duty.

The 21-year-old had not featured for the national side during the tournament, but has been announced as injured ahead of the Three Lions’ Bronze Final match against 2018 World Champions France.

England were knocked out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage by Argentina, despite leading 85 minutes into the match.

The Three Lions came under scrutiny after opting for a defensive approach after their second-half opener, which came through Anthony Gordon.

Kobbie Mainoo was an unused substitute once again in the game, as Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly was preferred as a midfield substitute ahead of United’s No.37.

The lack of game time for his country has clearly affected Mainoo, with Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett admitting, “For every one of England’s six matches, he has been the first to leave the dressing room after a game, and always the first onto the team bus.”

“On every occasion I have seen him, he has been walking on his own, not with a team-mate. Let us be clear, he has not been sulking. But he has looked a little lost.”

Manchester United will now be hoping and praying that Kobbie Mainoo’s injury is not severe.

One of the best youth products to come out of the club in years, the 21-year-old has turned into a vital player at Old Trafford – a staple of the wonderful academy system in place.

England manager Thomas Tuchel would unlikely have used Kobbie Mainoo in the Three Lions’ Bronze Final based on tournament history. Either way, the injury will come as a huge blow for him personally, as Mainoo will have to wait another four years for a chance to make his World Cup debut.