England: Kobbie Mainoo among three players that must start vs Uruguay as World Cup beckons
England boss Thomas Tuchel must hand starts to Kobbie Mainoo, Phil Foden and Dean Henderson in their friendly against Uruguay on Friday.
The start of the 2026 World Cup is just 78 days away, and this camp is the final chance for England players on the fringes of the squad to prove themselves to Tuchel.
England will face Uruguay at Wembley on Friday, before Japan are the visitors at the national stadium next Wednesday.
Tuchel’s squad is effectively being split into two groups, with 11 key players, including Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, set to miss the first game due to the amount of minutes they have played this season.
That means that fans can expect a squad of players vying to make this summer’s tournament taking to the pitch against Uruguay, and Football Insider have looked at three England players that deserve to start.
Kobbie Mainoo
Ruben Amorim consistently snubbed Mainoo during his 13-month spell in charge of Man United, meaning his last England cap came in September 2024 against the Republic of Ireland.
He has shone under interim United boss Michael Carrick over the last three months, however, and is now back in the Three Lions fold after 11 consecutive starts during their fine run of recent form.
| Appearances (starts) | 22 (10) |
| Assists | 2 |
| Successful pass % | 89.9% |
| Chances created per 90 | 1.37 |
| Successful dribbles per 90 | 0.89 |
| Possession won in final third per 90 | 0.65 |
Mainoo featured in six of England’s seven matches at Euro 2024 and was a revelation in the midfield at just 19-years-old, so clearly has what it takes to shine during high-pressure situations.
He deserves the chance to make his first appearance under Tuchel from the off against Uruguay, as he is unlikely to do so against Japan when those key players return to the fold.
Phil Foden
Foden could be a controversial pick in this list after such a poor few months of form, as well as due to his subpar record for England so far.
Sources have told Football Insider that Foden is frustrated at Man City right now, as he has started just one of their last eight games in all competitions.
The 25-year-old’s quality is undeniable, however, and Tuchel should look at this game as a last-chance saloon when it comes to his chances of heading to the World Cup.
Foden can play off the left flank but has often looked better at number 10 for his country, so he could well force his way into the side ahead of an unfit Jude Bellingham, with Eberechi Eze ruled out due to injury.
He is another who seems unlikely to be involved against Japan next week, so it feels like this match is make or break for his England future under Tuchel.
Dean Henderson
Jordan Pickford is available to feature in both games, with Everton not participating in European competition, but friendlies always present a good chance for rotation between the sticks.
Tuchel sprung a surprise by naming Jason Steele in this squad, but he is set to be used as a training goalkeeper, with Henderson up against James Trafford and Aaron Ramsdale when it comes to making the World Cup squad.
The Crystal Palace man has played much more than either of those pair this season, and is the Three Lions’ unofficial number two keeper, having featured against Albania in November.
That was just his fourth cap for his country, though, and so he should also start here to gain more confidence in an England shirt just in case he needs to deputise in the summer.