Conor Gallagher has been overlooked for England’s last 16 clash with Slovakia as Gareth Southgate opted to pick Kobbie Mainoo ahead of him despite the Chelsea star only getting 45 minutes in midweek
Gareth Southgate has opted to pick Kobbie Mainoo over Conor Gallagher in the only change for England’s last 16 clash – claiming the teenager is better suited to combat their opponents.
The Chelsea midfielder was bought into the starting XI for the draw with Slovenia earlier in the week, but he was hooked at half-time with Mainoo coming on to replace him. The Manchester United man has now landed himself a starting berth alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
Southgate resisted calls for wholesale changes but did decide that Mainoo, who only made his England debut months ago, was a better option against Slovakia than Gallagher.
He said: “[Mainoo] he used the ball really well and we know that’s the way he plays and he’ll help us get through their high-pressure and he’s looked really comfortable in an England shirt. [He’s] definitely [embraced the big occasion], he’s played some huge games already for his club and he looks totally at ease in our environment and you saw when he came into the game the other night exactly the impact he can have.”
Gallagher and Mainoo have both been regulars for their club in recent months, but have different attributes. Southgate has stuck with several of his players who’ve copped criticism across the Euros as the Three Lions continue to underwhelm.
Kieran Trippier, who is being used as a makeshift left-back, retains his role in the back four whilst Jude Bellingham also starts despite being some way below the levels he’s set this season with Real Madrid. Phil Foden, after jetting home briefly after his partner gave berth, remains part of the front three.
Southgate said, in light of criticism: “I think a team is never quite as poor as people might think and never quite as good as people might think. You’re probably about five per cent off where you’d like to be.
“Therefore you’ve got to be careful not to throw everything out the window and lose things you’re doing well and lose continuity and the confidence that comes with players playing together and the understanding that comes with those moments.”
England know, should they see off Slovakia, that they will take on Switzerland in the last eight. The Swiss knocked out defending champions Italy in Berlin on Saturday. The Three Lions are on the perceived easier half of the draw, dodging the likes of France, Germany and Spain until the final, should they get that far.
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