JAKARTA - England coach Gareth Southgate is expected to give Kobbie Mainoo the chance to start his first match at Euro 2024 on Sunday 30 June in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. But he will most likely avoid making big changes to his team against Slovakia in the last 16.
Mainoo, Manchester United's young midfielder, has emerged as a substitute in the previous two games in Germany. He gave a positive impression when he came on to replace Conor Gallagher in the second half when England drew 0-0 with Slovenia. Now, the 19-year-old is expected to partner Declan Rice in England's midfield in an important match at Gelsenkirchen.
If Mainoo is given the opportunity, he will be Rice's third partner in midfield during this tournament, having previously played alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gallagher.
Despite many calls to make massive changes to the team, especially at the front lines, after England's less convincing performances in their three Group C games, Southgate looks set to keep the majority of the players at the heart of its choice. This means players like Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer may have to settle for starting from the bench.
Southgate must also monitor Kieran Trippier's fitness condition, who has not fully trained for the past 48 hours due to a mild calf injury he has experienced since late last season. There is hope that this Newcastle player can train Saturday morning, which will be an indication of his availability for knockout matches.
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Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez are ready to start the game if Trippier can't play, while Luke Shaw has returned to full training, although Southgate doesn't seem to be risking the Manchester United left-back from the start considering he hasn't played for five months.
Bukayo Saka, who has started all three games in the far right, confirmed that he is not the solution to England's left-back problem. Although there is advice from Arsenal legend Ian Wright that Saka could play in that position, Saka insists to BBC Radio that he prefers to play in his current position but the final decision remains in Southgate's hands.
With the game getting closer, Southgate faced with an important decision to ensure England is ready to face Slovakia and move into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
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