Kobbie Mainoo has barely featured at the 2026 World Cup despite Manchester United form that caught many observers' attention heading into the tournament. Manager Thomas Tuchel has kept the 21-year-old midfielder on the bench, leading former England forward Michael Owen to draw a striking historical parallel. Just as Geoff Hurst emerged as an unlikely hero during England's 1966 World Cup triumph at Wembley, Mainoo could yet play a similar role in the quest for a second global title.
History's Unlikely Heroes
Owen invoked one of football's greatest underdog stories when discussing Mainoo's current situation. Hurst had started the 1966 tournament as backup to prolific striker Jimmy Greaves, yet injury opened an unexpected door. The West Ham legend seized his opportunity, scoring a historic hat-trick in the final against West Germany and cementing his place in English folklore. No England team has replicated that achievement in the 60 years since, but Owen believes the pattern of unforeseen heroes emerging during tournaments remains relevant.
"I do feel for Mainoo a little bit because he's got the ability to play a role in this World Cup," Owen told GOAL. "Things change, you get unlikely heroes. When anyone's talking about the best England XI, my dad says 'Jimmy Greaves' straight away. He was insanely good. But then Geoff Hurst plays, and look what happens. You can't switch off."
England's Path to Argentina Semi-Final
England have navigated early rounds with expected dominance, though performances have occasionally raised questions about midfield control and creativity. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have driven the team forward, each contributing six goals. The challenge intensifies dramatically with a semi-final clash against Argentina and Lionel Messi, marking England's first genuine test of the tournament. This is where squad depth and tactical flexibility could prove decisive.
Mainoo has not appeared in competitive World Cup minutes, last playing in a June warm-up friendly against Costa Rica. Yet Owen suggests dismissing his potential would be premature. "Everything so far has been what you would expect from England," Owen reflected. "But if we're going to win it, there are going to be so many twists and turns and so many heroes we won't even be thinking about at the moment. Mainoo could be one of them." With La Liga rivals watching England's progress and the high-pressure contest against Argentina looming, circumstances may yet create an opening for the Manchester midfielder to write his own World Cup story.
