After ending their domestic season on a high, Manchester United players looked to carry their momentum into their national teams this summer.
Fresh from their FA Cup success, several Red Devils stars were called up for international duty to represent their country at Euro 2024.
Despite the likes of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford missing out on a call-up, only a small portion of Erik ten Hag‘s squad will be granted a summer rest.
One of Manchester United‘s international stars is Kobbie Mainoo, who enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford last season.
The 19-year-old showed such class and composure in the heart of midfield that Gareth Southgate had no option but to book him a seat on the plane to Germany this summer.
However, despite playing in the pre-tournament friendlies – including a man-of-the-match performance against Belgium – his only Euro appearance so far came as a substitute in the dying minutes against Serbia.
Paul Scholes on Kobbie Mainoo at Euro 2024
With the Three Lions so far failing to live up to expectations, fans, pundits and practically every soul in the country are expecting changes for Tuesday’s clash against Slovenia.
Paul Scholes has had his say on how to strike a balance in England‘s midfield, with the United legend arguing that Mainoo could play a role similar to Toni Kroos and Rodri.
“If Kobbie Mainoo came in, all of a sudden you have control. You have a player who makes your team play football,” Scholes told TNT Sports.
“Sometimes it takes just one player to be able to do that. You think of Toni Kroos with Germany. He just makes them play football, he makes Real Madrid play football.
“Rodri for Man City and Spain, he makes your team play football and I think Mainoo has got the ability to do that.
When asked about the changes Southgate could make, Scholes added “I wouldn’t be that bothered as long as Mainoo’s the one that comes into midfield. I think he can change the whole outlook and perception of this team. I think he can be that good and devastating for him.”
Gareth Southgate must trust in England youth
Mainoo proved at Old Trafford last season that his age is irrelevant – even on football’s biggest stages.
Arguably, Mainoo’s best performances in red came against the better teams with the young midfielder shining against both Manchester City and Liverpool.
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Southgate’s midfield experiment has fallen flat and the answer is right in front of him – while Mainoo lacks experience in international tournaments his debut performance for England was exceptional.
With England now through to the knockout stages, there is no risk attached to Mainoo starting in midfield against Slovenia in the final group game.
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