Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United played the entire second half for England in today’s Euro 24 group C match against Slovenia.
Despite three disappointing performances in the group round, the Three Lions have advanced to the competition’s knockout stages.
Mainoo’s inclusion had an immediate impact for England, who only enjoyed 63% possession against Slovenia in the first half.
With Mainoo replacing Conor Gallagher in the second half, the Three Lions boosted their possession to 79%, and they never looked like conceding.
On a personal level, the United starlet was equally spectacular.
Mainoo completed 33 of 34 passes, yielding an amazing 97% pass accuracy.
He also set up Harry Kane with a delicate touch in the 90th minute, but the striker unselfishly passed it to Cole Palmer instead of shooting, earning England three points and an assist for Mainoo.
Overall, it was a strong performance from the 19-year-old, who appeared unaffected by the occasion and added poise and maturity to England’s midfield. His ability to excel in a misfiring and dysfunctional team is as evident at the international level as it is with his club.
While England’s other substitutes, Trent Alexander Arnold, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon, did not impress, Gareth Southgate should consider starting the United man in England’s first knockout round match against one of the four best third-placed teams, possibly the Netherlands, in the last 16.
The experiment of playing Trent Alexander Arnold in midfield has failed, and Gallagher has not looked at ease in Southgate’s system.
Although Mainoo played wider right than usual at Old Trafford, among the three, he appears to be the greatest fit in England’s midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
