England team news 'leaked' as Gareth Southgate drops star for Slovakia last 16 tie

Jun 27, 2024 20:45

Kobbie Mainoo will reportedly start England's last 16 clash with Slovakia (Image: Getty)

Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly set to start England’s crunch Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Slovakia on Sunday. The Manchester United midfielder impressed during the second half of the otherwise dismal goalless draw against Slovenia on Tuesday.

Manager Gareth Southgate has struggled to find the perfect formula for his midfield. He started both of England’s matches against Serbia and Denmark with Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice.

However, the more natural right-back seemed uncomfortable in the role and the experiment was ditched ahead of the match against Slovenia. Conor Gallagher replaced Alexander-Arnold but the Three Lions struggled to play through midfield with the Chelsea star next to Rice.

Mainoo replaced Gallagher at half-time and appears to have done enough to warrant a start in England’s next game. According to the Daily Telegraph, the 19-year-old is in line to begin the match.

It is unclear who will drop out but Gallagher’s place seems uncertain given the 24-year-old’s lack of impact against Slovenia. The former Crystal Palace loanee is also carrying a yellow card after being booked against Denmark.

There has been clamour for Mainoo or Palace’s 20-year-old midfielder Adam Wharton to be given game time. Some fans and pundits have also wondered whether a change in formation might help Southgate get the best out of his underperforming team.

The 53-year-old, who guided England to the final of Euro 2020, was targeted by empty beer cups from dissenting fans 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.

England manager Gareth Southgate has plenty of thinking to do ahead of Slovakia (Image: Getty)

"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."

England finished top of Group C in spite of some underwhelming performances. They beat Serbia 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen in their opening game before being held to a 1-1 stalemate by Denmark in Frankfurt.

Mainoo enjoyed an excellent breakthrough campaign with Man Utd and scored in their FA Cup final triumph over rivals Manchester City.

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England team news 'leaked' as Gareth Southgate drops star for Slovakia last 16 tie