Former England midfielder Paul Scholes has thrown his weight behind Kobbie Mainoo as the catalyst for turning around the fortunes of Gareth Southgate’s side at Euro 2024.
Despite securing four points from their initial two matches, The Three Lions have faced criticism for their lackluster performances.
England commenced their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory against Serbia, followed by a lackluster 1-1 draw with Denmark, which Kobbie Mainoo came off the bench for the last five minutes.
Their upcoming final group game against Slovenia has heightened anticipation for changes in the team, particularly in the midfield, after Southgate labeled Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role an “experiment”.
“Obviously, I said I’d like to see Mainoo come into the midfield," Scholes said. "I think he is, along with Declan Rice, probably England’s best midfielder.
“To have a right back [Alexander-Arnold] playing in there in your position and you’ve gone as a central midfielder, that won’t be nice. It will be difficult to take.
“I see Kobbie Mainoo in this England squad, in this England team for the next 10 years at least.
“He’ll bring quality into that midfield area that we’ve really lacked. He knows the position, he’s played the position. He’ll help Declan Rice. He’ll help Jude Bellingham and he could possibly knit the whole thing together."
Mainoo is still waiting to start a game for England at the Euros.