How England could lineup with Kobbie Mainoo during March international break

Published at :March 22, 2024 at 12:08 AM

Modified at :March 22, 2024 at 12:08 AM

(Courtesy : England)

The youngster’s surprise inclusion has been met with a lot of positive reactions

Kobbie Mainoo’s rise in the 2023-24 season has been instant and jaw-dropping. The 18-year-old has shown maturity way beyond his years while playing for Manchester United. He outshone players like Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen to establish himself as a regular starter in Erik ten Hag’s lineup.

When Gareth Southgate announced the Three Lions squad for the upcoming international break in March 2024, Kobbie Mainoo was not picked which caused a huge uproar, particularly in the Manchester United fanbase. However, Mainoo’s recent masterful performance against Liverpool in a 4-3 win in the FA Cup proved that the youngster deserved his senior team call-up. As a result, Kobbie Mainoo was added to the senior England team on merit by Gareth Southgate, joining the likes of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and more.

With his inclusion, England have a brilliant midfield full of energetic and versatile young players. Considering the options, here is how the Three Lions can line up with the talent at Southgate’s disposal:

Formation: 4-3-3

GK – Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford has been the preferred goalkeeper for a considerable time. With Nick Pope nursing an injury, the Everton FC custodian is set to retain his position in the middle of the sticks for England.

RB – Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker is one of the most solid defenders in the right-back position in the Premier League. The Manchester City player will be a definite starter for England in the upcoming international break and eventually at the 2024 UEFA Euros.

CB – John Stones

Kyle Walker’s teammate at Manchester City, John Stones is set to start in the centre-back role for England. The defender performed exceptionally for the Three Lions at the 2020 UEFA Euros and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

CB – Harry Maguire

Contrary to his form at the club level for Manchester United, Harry Maguire has been quite consistent in his performances for the England national team. The centre-back is likely to partner John Stones in defence.

LB – Ben Chilwell

Ben Chilwell’s return from injury has been a boon for Gareth Southgate and Chelsea. Now, the left-back is set to start in the left-back position with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw still out with an injury.

CM – Declan Rice

Declan Rice of Arsenal is a brilliant pivot in the midfield and covers a lot of ground. His performances for the Gunners have been impressive during the 2023-24 season. He will be a sure starter under Gareth Southgate.

CM – Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo offers incredible versatility. He can dribble out of tricky situations, has a decent vision, distributes the ball confidently, and contributes in both attack and defence. The 18-year-old will offer a lot of balance in the midfield.

CAM – Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been one of the most consistent performers and has taken the world by storm with his goalscoring feats for Real Madrid this season. The 20-year-old has 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions at club level.

RW – Phil Foden

Phil Foden is in the form of his life and Gareth Southgate is likely to give him the nod over Bukayo Saka in the right-wing role. The 23-year-old has 18 goals and 10 assists this season for Manchester City and can be impactful for the Three Lions at the UEFA Euros later this year.

LW – Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford is hitting the right vein of form as the 2024 UEFA Euros approaches. The Manchester United wing-forward has eight goals and six assists in an underperforming side. Gareth Southgate has belief in the 26-year-old to deliver goal contributions for the Three Lions.

ST – Harry Kane

Harry Kane would be the go-to option in the No.9 role for Gareth Southgate. The former Tottenham Hotspur forward has been setting the stage alight in the German Bundesliga for FC Bayern Munich this season. He has scored 37 goals and made 12 assists in 35 overall appearances at club level.

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