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Substitutes offer only bright points in another hugely laboured Three Lions performance at Euro 2024
Fans praised Kobbie Mainoo for his impact after coming on at half time of England’s draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate‘s side put in another tepid performace in the first half of the match in Cologne, failing to improve on their showing against Denmark that received widespread criticism.
For the game, Southgate made one change to the team, with Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, but the Chelsea man only lasted half-an-hour before being replaced by Mainoo.
It was a move that was praised by fans, with many questioning why Gallagher was the man to replace the Liverpool defender-turned-midfielder.
The Manchester United man received a number of plaudits on X (formerly Twitter) for his impact on the game as England chased the win that would guarantee them top spot in Group C.
The midfielder was introduced to the game at half time of the draw in place of Conor Gallagher
X (formerly Twitter) users lauded the Manchester United fan for his second half showing
‘It’s taken 5 mins for Kobbie Mainoo to remind everyone that Gareth Southgate is clueless,’ one fan posted. ‘Pointless not playing him from the start of the first game.’
England look like a mixture of a team that is scared to death and tired out, writes OLIVER HOLT
Another wrote: ‘3min in and Kobbie Mainoo has done more than any England central midfielder has done in the Euro.’
A third posted: ‘Mainoo has made England a functional side.. who would’ve THOUGHT.’
Southgate admitted that he had been trying to find a solution to his side’s midfield problems for a number of years, name checking Kalvin Phillips as a player England didn’t have a natural replacement for.
It appears he is still searching for a solution, with Gallagher the man to replace Alexander-Arnold and Mainoo then being introduced for the Chelsea man at the interval.
‘Instant impact from Mainoo,’ one fan added on X.
Mainoo showed that why he’s the reason on why he has to start in our England midfield for Sunday alongside Rice so Southgate better start Mainoo in that Midfield,’ added another.
Calls came for Mainoo to start next to Declan Rice in the middle of the park in England’s last 16 fixture
Mainoo said after the match that he is keen to impress for his country when he gets the chance
‘Me and Cole [Palmer] are ready when we’re called upon like the rest of the lads are,’ Mainoo said after the game. ‘We train hard and when we get our chance we try to impress so we can start and help the team as much as possible.
‘I love football and I love playing so anyone’s who’s on the pitch wants to play.
‘They sat deep and they were a good side on the ball but I feel like we have the quality to break these teams down as the quality increases in the next rounds.’
England failed to deliver a much-needed performance as they laboured to a dispiriting 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne.
Gareth Southgate’s side still qualified for the last 16 as group winners, meaning they will avoid Germany, Spain, Portugal and France until the final, but this was not a display to restore confidence that England should be considered among the favourites for Euro 2024.
Bukayo Saka had a goal disallowed in the first half and Phil Foden, their brightest player, tested Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak with a long-range free-kick. But genuine chances were few and far between as England limped into the knockouts.
Here’s how we rated the England players…
Jordan Pickford 6
Did not have a serious save to make and was largely a spectator, especially in a one-sided second half.
Kyle Walker 5
Got into some decent positions but his end product was missing. This felt like the kind of game where Southgate could have played Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and had another ball player in the side.
John Stones 6
Dealt well with Slovenia’s physical front two, including Benjamin Sesko (who did not look fully fit), and composed in possession. Would be nice to see him step into midfield but that’s plainly not the game plan.
Marc Guehi 6
Another solid display from the Crystal Palace centre-back, who has a case to be England’s most consistent performer in Germany so far. Booked for a professional foul after making a hash of a high ball but mostly read the game well.
Kieran Trippier 5
Whipped in a back-post cross which Harry Kane nearly converted in the first half. His right-footedness and tendency to keep wide leaves England short of balance and thrust, but he recycled the ball well enough.
Declan Rice 6
England’s best moments came when he pushed high, showing what he can do with a first-time pass to Foden for Saka’s disallowed goal. Problem is, England looked open when he went forward and he was often stretched in the middle.
Did not solve England’s problems. There was still too little control and too few progressive passes. He was hooked for Kobbie Mainoo after just 45 minutes. Assuming he’s fit, this was a nightmare.
Jude Bellingham 5
A few lively moments but again failed to hit the heights of his first-half display against Serbia. Looks a little leggy, worryingly, and too casual.
Bukayo Saka 5
Had the ball in the net to cap England’s best move of the game – but Foden was offside. Could have been more aggressive against full-back Erik Janza who was booked early on.
Phil Foden 7
England’s brightest spark. Crossed for Saka to score after 20 minutes but had strayed narrowly offside and tested Oblak with a free-kick from range. Looked confident when he came central, strengthening his case to play No10.
Harry Kane 5
Played a couple of eye-catching balls from deep (he needs runners, surely) and happy to shoot on sight. Still not at his sharpest though and more than one attack broke down at his feet.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (Gallagher 45’) 7
Immediately offered more spark and control to a lifeless England. Used the ball well. Is the troublesome midfield spot now his to lose?
Cole Palmer (Saka 71’) 7
Made a positive impact and unlocked Slovenia with a couple of fine passes, before firing a late shot at Oblak. Has made his case to be England’s first impact sub but there’s already too many floaty forwards in the XI.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Trippier 84’) 6
Back at full-back, he could not summon up a late piece of magic to revive England.