Sports Update: Gary Neville Advocates for Kobbie Mainoo’s Starting Spot in Euro 2024Sports Update: Gary Neville Advocates for Kobbie Mainoo’s Starting Spot in Euro 2024 Source: ghanasoccernet.com Date: June 26, 2024 Former Manchester United star Gary Neville is urging England manager Gareth Southgate to consider starting promising midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in their upcoming Euro 2024 round of 16 tie. Mainoo’s impressive substitute performance against Slovenia caught Neville’s attention, highlighting the player’s ability to control tempo and create chances, qualities England lacked in their goalless draw. Neville believes Mainoo’s impact off the bench clearly indicates he deserves a starting role, especially when compared to initial energy midfield option Conor Gallagher. “Every time England made a change, they got better,” Neville said on ITV Sport. “I’m sure Mainoo will start the next game. Southgate thought Gallagher was the option for energy, but it was quite clear we needed someone to get us playing.” Neville further stated that Mainoo’s introduction brought fluidity and efficiency to the English midfield. “The more substitutions we made, the less rigid we looked… We looked so basic in the first half; it was a battle to see that, and I think we improved in the second half.” Mainoo has consistently made an impact as a substitute throughout the European Championship, featuring in two of England’s three group matches. England will face either the Netherlands or the third-placed team from Group E in the last 16, having secured top spot in Group C with their 0-0 draw against Slovenia. The match will be a crucial test for the Three Lions, and Neville’s call for Mainoo’s inclusion in the starting lineup has sparked debate among England fans and pundits.
Sports news from Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Source: ghanasoccernet.com
26-06-2024
Kobbie Mainoo
Former Manchester United star Gary Neville is calling on England manager Gareth Southgate to hand young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo a starting place in their upcoming Euro 2024 round of 16 tie.
Mainoo came on as a substitute against Slovenia and impressed Neville with his ability to change the pace and create chances, something England lacked in the goalless draw.
Neville believes the Manchester United midfielder’s impact was a clear sign he should start, especially compared to initial energy midfield choice Conor Gallagher.
“Every time England made a change they got better,” the former England defender told ITV Sport.
“I’m sure Mainoo will start the next game. Southgate thought Gallagher was the option for the energy, but it was quite clear we needed someone to get us playing, and Adam Wharton is up for that too stands.”
“The more substitutions we made, the less rigid we looked. We looked so basic in the first half; it was a battle to see that, and I think we improved in the second half,” Neville added to it.
It is not the first time that Mainoo has impressed as a substitute during the European Championship. In two of England’s three group matches he appeared as a substitute.
England will play the Netherlands or the third-placed team from Group E in the last 16 after securing top spot in Group C with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
