Kobbie Mainoo is expected to start in England’s crucial Euro 2024 last 16 match against Slovakia on Sunday.
The Manchester United midfielder impressed during the second half of England’s lackluster goalless draw against Slovenia on Tuesday.
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Manager Gareth Southgate has been struggling to find the right combination for his midfield. In England’s matches against Serbia and Denmark, he started with Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice.
However, Alexander-Arnold, typically a right-back, appeared uncomfortable in the role, leading Southgate to abandon the experiment before the Slovenia match.
Conor Gallagher took Alexander-Arnold’s place but, paired with Rice, England still struggled to control the midfield.
Mainoo replaced Gallagher at halftime and performed well enough to likely earn a starting position in England’s next game. According to the Daily Telegraph, the 19-year-old is expected to start.
It’s not clear who will be benched, but Gallagher’s spot is uncertain due to his lack of impact against Slovenia and a yellow card received in the match against Denmark.
There has been public demand for Mainoo or Crystal Palace’s 20-year-old midfielder Adam Wharton to get playing time.
Some fans and pundits are also suggesting that a change in formation might help Southgate improve the team’s performance.
Southgate, who led England to the Euro 2020 final, faced backlash from fans, who threw empty beer cups after the draw with Slovenia in Cologne. However, defender Marc Guehi has defended Southgate.
“He has been fantastic for England. If you look at his record, it speaks for itself,” Guehi said in Thursday’s press conference.
“Everyone is behind the manager and we have a really close tight-knit group just focused on the next group. Everyone appreciates him, especially me.
“He gave me my debut for England and he’s showed so much confidence in me. I am really grateful and I’m sure the rest of the team is as well.”
Despite some lackluster performances, England topped Group C. They secured a 1-0 victory against Serbia in their opening match in Gelsenkirchen but were later held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark in Frankfurt.
Mainoo had an impressive breakout season with Manchester United, even scoring in their FA Cup final win against Manchester City.
