“I don’t get why he's not allowed to prove himself” - Luke Littler takes aim at Thomas Tuchel over Kobbie Mainoo World Cup snub

Luke Littler has questioned Thomas Tuchel’s use of Kobbie Mainoo during England’s World Cup campaign, with the Manchester United midfielder still waiting for his first minutes of the tournament.

England reached the knock-out phase after beating Croatia, drawing 0-0 with Ghana and defeating Panama, but Mainoo has so far remained unused. Littler, a huge Manchester United fan, believes the midfielder has already shown he can handle the stage after his role at Euro 2024. Mainoo started England’s final three matches at that tournament, including the final against Spain, but has yet to feature under Tuchel at the World Cup.

Speaking to The Rest Is Football Podcast, Littler made his feelings clear. “I think even in the Euros a few months ago he proved himself there,” he 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.”

The world No.1 also gave his view on England’s squad selection when asked which player he felt should have been included. “I think Maguire had to be in there,” Littler added.

Littler was in the United States last weekend to watch England in action. Just a day earlier, he had been on stage himself at Madison Square Garden, where he lost the US Darts Masters final 8-7 to Luke Humphries after a deciding leg.

Despite the wet conditions at the football, Littler clearly enjoyed his New York trip, having already experienced a rowdy England crowd during the darts. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “It was my third time in Madison Square Garden. I have not won here yet but great final with Luke again. Both days were sold out but I think it was 90 percent English fans so I can’t complain.”

Littler has also had his own England success this summer, winning the World Cup of Darts alongside Humphries after the pair defeated the Netherlands in the final.

“I think last year was difficult,” Littler continued. “Obviously, me and Luke planned to win it. But obviously we went to Germany and lost to the Germans which wasn’t the best. This year we turned it around and picked up the trophy. It is hard to get into a rhythm because you have to wait three throws before you throw again.”

The 19-year-old said he and Humphries discussed their preferred doubles away from the stage before eventually getting the job done for England. Now, after winning in England colours on the oche, Littler has used his New York appearance to call for Mainoo to get his own chance at the World Cup.