According to The Telegraph, Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo is in line to start for England in their last-16 clash with Slovakia.
The paper believes that England’s progression to the knockout stages, although steady, has been far from convincing. In three group games, Gareth Southgate’s only change to his starting XI saw Gallagher replace Arnold in the third match. 19-year-old Mainoo was only given a late cameo in the third game, coming on for Gallagher in the second half and impressing.
Despite missing Thursday’s training session, Rice is expected to start the knockout tie, and he is set to partner Mainoo in midfield. The pair will sit in behind Bellingham to provide balance in England’s midfield, something that Gallagher and Arnold have failed to do.
Mainoo has been one of the biggest positives for a Manchester United side that has been heavily criticised this season. He has shown composure and guts in key matches for the Red Devils, with many pundits and analysts suggesting that Southgate should give him a chance to inject some life into a stagnant England midfield.
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