Sports News of Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Source: footballghana.com

Kobbie Mainoo adds a 'different feel' to England's midfield - Gareth Southgate

Kobbie Mainoo Kobbie Mainoo

England head coach Gareth Southgate believes players like English-Ghanaian Kobbie Mainoo will bring a different feel to his team's midfield at Euro 2024.

Southgate started Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice in the center of England's midfield in the 1-0 win against Serbia.

He then brought on Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo to add some extra energy in the closing stages.

Gallagher arguably remains ahead of Mainoo, 19, in the Three Lions' pecking order, but the England manager said when confirming his selection for the Euros that young players such as Mainoo and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, 20, add an extra element to his squad.

"There are obviously a couple of good technical players who have come through," Southgate explained. "Kobbie is one. Adam is one.

"So, there is a bigger pool, but one of those boys was playing in the Championship earlier this year, and the other was finding his feet at Manchester United.

"So, they are not [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric in terms of experience, but the team will have a different feel, and we think that's the best route to go."