Gareth Southgate expected to start Manchester United star in England's Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia: Reports
Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly set to be handed his first start for England at Euro 2024 against Slovakia on Sunday (June 30). The Three Lions face the Slovakians in the Round of 16 amid a lackluster campaign thus far.
The Daily Mail's Matt Law reports that Gareth Southgate is expected to start Mainoo, 19, at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. He came off the bench in his nation's 0-0 stalemate with Slovenia on Tuesday (June 25) and caught the eye.
Mainoo will likely take up a central midfield role alongside Declan Rice, who has come in for scrutiny at Euro 2024. The Manchester United midfielder helped England look more lively when he came on for Conor Gallagher at halftime.
The Three Lions were majorly criticized for haphazard performances despite finishing top of Group C. They beat Serbia 1-0 but drew 1-1 with Denmark and 0-0 with Slovenia.
Mainoo headed into the tournament with his stock sky-high after an incredible breakout season at Manchester United. He scored the winner in a 2-1 FA Cup final win against Manchester City weeks before being called up for Euro 2024.
The Stockport-born midfielder's impressive display against Slovenia led to fans demanding he and fellow substitute Cole Palmer start against Slovakia. This was put to Southgate ahead of the Round of 16 (via Metro):
"I think with him (Palmer) and Kobbie we had in our mind to get them into the game tonight, they offer something different."
Mainoo made his international debut in March and has since earned five caps. He has been a bright spark in an unconvincing Euro 2024 for England thus far.
England's Harry Kane waxed lyrical about Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo amid impressing at Euro 2024
Harry Kane gave a glowing verdict of Mainoo's adaption to the England camp and how he's shone on international duty. The Three Lions captain gave an insight into the midfielder's playing attributes (via UtdDistrict):
"Kobbie’s been great, he’s really impressed since he’s been in the England set-up, he’s obviously a fantastic player and still very young but very comfortable on the ball, and likes to receive it under pressure."
Mainoo was slick with the ball when he came on against Slovenia. He won two of five ground duels and looked to make things happen, including with one neat back heel to Kane:
"He’s got a good balance of the defensive side plus the attacking side, getting close to the forwards and trying to link up, so I thought he had a really good game when he came on."
England headed into Euro 2024 as one of the favorites with their squad brimming with talent that had excelled at club level. The likes of Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden were expected to flourish, but a lot remains to be admired.
Mainoo could be the breakout star the Three Lions long for at this tournament. His appearance against Slovenia bodes well, as he looks set for his first start at a major international competition against Slovakia.