Will Kobbie Mainoo start for England against Slovakia in Euro 2024 round of 16?

Kobbie Mainoo has only made two substitute appearances so far in Germany.

Despite finishing the group stage phase as Group C table-toppers, England as a whole have been a frustrating watch this Euro 2024 due to their lacklustre team performances, even with such a star-studded squad in play that has the potential to win it all.

Tournament favourites England kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over a resolute Serbia, courtesy of a thunderous Jude Bellingham header in the first half. This was followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw against Denmark, where the Three Lions were the second-best team for the majority of the game. However, this talented unit was even worse during their abysmal display in their final group game against Slovenia, which ended in a goalless draw.

Coach Gareth Southgate came under the firing line from fans and pundits for his side’s underwhelming group stage display, which saw them play a defensive and pragmatic brand of football even with world-class players in operation in every position of the pitch.

One of the biggest talking points of England’s group stage run was the limited game time offered by Southgate to Manchester United midfield sensation Kobbie Mainoo, who looked England’s best player on the pitch every time he was brought on to put in a shift next to defensive midfielder Declan Rice.

The 2020 Euro finalists are set to face Slovakia at the Arena AufSchalke in the round of 16. Slovakia finished third in Group E, behind the likes of Romania and Belgium.

Also read: England predicted lineup for Slovakia clash in Euro 2024 Round of 16

Kobbie Mainoo is expected to start against Slovakia

After Southgate’s failed midfield experimentation with the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold and Conor Gallagher during the group stages, Kobbie Mainoo is expected to get the nod ahead of the duo next to Declan Rice in the double pivot role.

Mainoo had a breakthrough 2023–24 club campaign at Manchester United, where he played an integral role for his side, being an ever-present figure that guided the Red Devils to FA Cup glory. The 19-year-old midfielder racked up 33 appearances across all competitions, contributing an impressive five goals and three assists in the process.

Even in the national team setup, Mainoo has looked like a composed presence in midfield with his elite technical abilities, solid defensive awareness, and strong passing range, making him an all-round package at the heart of the lineup.

With Alexander Arnold and Gallagher both failing to make a strong case for either to start, Kobbie Mainoo’s addition to the midfield balance could make the Three Lions a much more dynamic team in possession that could prove to be effective in their decisive Round of 16 fixture against Slovakia.

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