Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United participated in the whole second half of England’s match against Slovenia in group C of the Euro 24 competition today.
Despite three weak performances during the group round, the Three Lions managed to qualify for the competition’s knockout stages.
England saw an immediate effect from Mainoo’s presence, as they only possessed 63% of the ball against Slovenia in the first half.
The Three Lions’ possession soared to 79% after Mainoo replaced Conor Gallagher in the second, and they actually never appeared to be in dаnger of surrendering.
At a personal level, the United starlet was also impressive.
Mainoo completed 33 of 34 passes for an incredible 97% pass accuracy.
He also set Harry Kane up with a deft touch in the 90th minute, but the striker unselfishly laid it off to Cole Palmer when he could have shot, earned England three points and given Mainoo an assist.
The 19-year-old gave a great performance; he appeared uttеrly unaffected by the situation and gave England’s midfield maturity and poise. It is evident both for his club and internationally that he can be a standout player in a dysfunctional and misfiring squad.
After this showing, Gareth Southgate should definitely start the United player in England’s opening knockout match against one of the top four third-place teams—possibly the Netherlands—despite the unimpressive performances of England’s other substitutes, Trent Alexander Arnold, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon.
Trent Alexander Arnold was not a successful midfield experiment, and Gallagher did not appear at ease with Southgate’s formation.
Although Mainoo played wider right than he is used to at Old Trafford, of the three he certainly looks like the best fit alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in England’s midfield.
