GARETH SOUTHGATE has explained why he picked Kobbie Mainoo to start against Slovakia.
The England manager opted for the Manchester United youngster as his only change to the team for the Euro 2024 last-16 clash.
Mainoo, 19, replaced Conor Gallagher in the starting line-up in the centre of midfield alongside Declan Rice.
The midfielder featured in the games against Serbia and Slovenia previously in the tournament.
In these two appearances he has only spent 50 minutes on the pitch in total.
However, that has been enough to convince Southgate that he is worthy of a starting place in the team.
The coach insisted that Mainoo has looked “really comfortable” while representing the nation.
He told ITV: “He used the ball really well.
“We know that the way he plays and he will help us get through their high pressure.
“He’s looked really comfortable in an England shirt.
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“He has played some huge games for his club and looks comfortable in our environment.”
England face Slovakia at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
The Three Lions finished top of their group with one win and two draws.
However, there has been a lot of criticism of the team’s style of play and laboured results against Denmark and Slovenia.
