Gary Neville believes Kobbie Mainoo has already shown he’s better in one area than a fantastic Arsenal midfielder.
Kobbie Mainoo’s meteoric rise has continued this week after he was promoted from England Under-21s to the senior side.
Gareth Southgate initially left the Manchester United starlet out in order to not rush his development but changed his mind following an excellent display against Liverpool.
Mainoo could make his Three Lions debut in either of the upcoming friendlies against Brazil or Belgium without playing at U21 level, something even Jude Bellingham didn’t do.
With Euro 2024 just around the corner, the 18-year-old has a real chance of not only being in the squad but starting in the heart of midfield.
Gary Neville believes Mainoo might have been called up because he’s better at working in tight spaces than Arsenal star Declan Rice.
Gary Neville explains how Gareth Southgate may utilise Kobbie Mainoo
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said: “I think when he watches Rice.
“And how Rice has been freed by Jorginho, I wonder if he’s brought him in to sit there and have Bellingham and Rice in front.
“Because they will both get back and look after him. I wonder whether he’s thinking, well he can handle the ball the kid.
“He’s unbelievable on the ball and then you just throw Rice forward one.
“Declan isn’t the best at receiving it in tight areas with his back to play, I think he’s better when he’s facing to play and running forward.
“I think Mainoo can receive it in those little areas. So I think having him there and them two might be what he’s looking at.”
How England could line up at Euro 2024
If Southgate has called Mainoo up to actually use him rather than just get him used to the senior set-up then he might have just found the missing piece to his starting XI.
There have been growing calls for Phil Foden to play in midfield along Bellingham and Rice in midfield, and it would make for an outstanding trio.
However, history tells us Southgate will have a more cautious approach in tournaments and play another defensive-minded midfielder instead. It has served England well in recent years.
The only problem was his usual favourites for the role, Kalvin Phillips or Jordan Henderson, have both declined massively and shouldn’t be in the squad, let alone the team.
Mainoo’s emergence couldn’t have been better timed as he is exactly what Southgate needs to complete his midfield.
With Foden, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in front and a back-five of Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, England have a massive chance of finally winning a trophy again.