Papers: Tuchel unhappy with Mainoo training during World Cup

Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup exit continues to cast a long shadow over England’s summer, with fresh reports suggesting the manager was privately frustrated by Kobbie Mainoo’s training performances in the buildup to the Ghana group game. The Manchester United midfielder, who had been expected to feature amid Declan Rice’s fitness concerns, failed to impress Tuchel during drills, according to the Daily Mail. The session in question took place at England’s training base in Qatar, where Mainoo—despite his promising domestic form—was overlooked in favour of more experienced options. With England’s tactical approach already under scrutiny following their semi-final defeat to Argentina, the timing of Mainoo’s struggles adds another layer of intrigue to Tuchel’s future at the Football Association.

Tuchel’s training grievances and the ripple effects

The Daily Mail reports that Tuchel was unimpressed by Mainoo’s work rate during a session in the days leading up to England’s opening match against Ghana. The omission of the 18-year-old—despite Rice’s fitness doubts—suggests Tuchel’s decision-making was already under pressure before the tournament’s first knockout stage. England’s players have since questioned the tactical adjustments made during the Argentina semi-final, with some believing the substitutions failed to address the game’s momentum. Tuchel’s rigid approach, which included defensive changes that left England vulnerable in midfield, drew sharp criticism from both the squad and pundits. The substitutions, made in the 60th minute with England leading 1-0, saw Conor Gallagher and Bukayo Saka withdrawn for Kalvin Phillips and Jarrod Bowen, a move that disrupted the team’s fluidity and allowed Argentina to regain control. Tuchel’s inability to adapt—despite having a fully fit squad on paper—has now become a central narrative in the fallout from Qatar.

Lionel Messi, never one to mince words, delivered a scathing assessment of England’s tactics after Argentina’s 2-1 victory. His post-match comments, reported by The Sun, underscored the tactical naivety that plagued Tuchel’s side. Messi specifically highlighted England’s lack of creativity in midfield, a criticism that resonated with the broader frustration within the camp. The manager’s inability to adapt—despite having a fully fit squad on paper—has now become a central narrative in the fallout from Qatar. With England’s World Cup campaign ending in disappointment, the scrutiny on Tuchel’s methods shows no sign of abating.

Transfer sagas and social media storms

Off the pitch, Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United remains a talking point after he turned down offers more lucrative than his current terms. The The Athletic reports that Rashford’s £40m release clause has now expired, leaving United with a decision to make over his long-term role at Old Trafford. The offers in question reportedly included a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, where Rashford would earn significantly more than his current £200,000-a-week deal at United. Meanwhile, Arsenal have emerged as potential suitors for Cardiff City’s teenage prospect Axel Donczew, according to the Telegraph, as Mikel Arteta continues to rebuild his squad with an eye on European competition. Donczew, a 19-year-old midfielder, has impressed in the Championship and could provide competition for Declan Rice’s long-term future at the club.

The fallout from England’s World Cup exit also spilled into social media, where Enzo Fernández deleted a post that mocked the Three Lions following Argentina’s semi-final win. The Daily Mail highlighted the now-deleted image, which featured Fernández, Messi, and Leandro Paredes laughing to the tune of Oasis’ Wonderwall. Chelsea, already under fire for their social media missteps, were forced to remove a photograph of Fernández from their official channels after a backlash from English supporters. The incident underscores the heightened tensions between clubs and national teams in the aftermath of major tournaments, particularly when players from rival nations are involved.

Premier League’s transfer carousel gathers pace

In domestic matters, Nottingham Forest have intensified their pursuit of Fiorentina’s right-back Dodo, as reported by RTI Esporte. The Brazilian defender’s potential arrival would bolster Forest’s defensive options as they aim to consolidate their Premier League status. Forest, who finished 16th last season, have identified Dodo as a key target to address their leaky defence, which conceded 65 goals in the Premier League. Elsewhere, Newcastle have held talks with Brighton over the availability of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, while Tottenham remain locked in negotiations with Manchester City for winger Savinho. Chelsea, meanwhile, have rejected two bids from Como for an unnamed player, according to the Daily Mail.

The Premier League’s summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years, with clubs balancing financial constraints against the need for squad reinforcement. Arsenal’s interest in Donczew signals their intent to secure young talent with resale value, while Forest’s pursuit of Dodo reflects their determination to address defensive frailties. With Tuchel’s England future uncertain and Rashford’s Manchester United future unclear, the coming weeks promise further upheaval both domestically and internationally. The window’s unpredictability is further heightened by the ongoing financial fair play regulations, which have forced clubs to seek value in the transfer market rather than relying on big-money deals.

As the dust settles on a turbulent World Cup, the focus now shifts to how England will regroup under Tuchel—or whether a change in leadership is imminent. The Mainoo training incident, though seemingly minor in isolation, has become another thread in a broader tapestry of discontent. With Rashford’s future hanging in the balance and Arsenal eyeing teenage talent, the Premier League’s transfer market is set to remain a stage for high-stakes drama. One thing is certain: the fallout from Qatar will continue to reverberate well beyond the final whistle, shaping the narratives of clubs and countries alike.