Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo delivered an impressive second half performance against Slovenia in Euro 2024 last night.
The 19-year-old started on the bench for yesterday’s final group stage game, but he replaced Conor Gallagher at the half-time interval.
Mainoo made a good impression with 41 touches and a passing accuracy of 97 percent. In comparison, Gallagher had only 24 touches, completing just 85 percent of his passes.
The Red Devils graduate also won 100 percent of his tackles with four ball recoveries. In our view, Mainoo should get the nod in the starting line-up for the round of 16 clash.
Manager Gareth Southgate experimented with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield in the first two games, but the Liverpool ace was guilty of losing possession with his poor ball control.
Gallagher came off the bench for the first two outings before replacing Arnold in the XI. The Chelsea ace was likewise unconvincing and this should pave the way for Mainoo to step up.
England qualified with the top spot in Group C but they were hugely disappointing with just two goals scored. A similar brand of football could cost them in the knock-out phase.
The Three Lions have lacked cohesion in the final third. Southgate needs to change their fortunes as they have been handed a brilliant opportunity to make the final of the tournament.
With Germany, Spain, France and Portugal in the opposition bracket, England are favourites to make another final, but they will have to improve on their chance creation going forward.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com
