Soccer
Former England striker names two players who must start against Slovakia
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Former England striker Alan Smith believes that Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer are pressing for inclusion in the knockout rounds at Euro 2024.
England had one win and two draws in the group stages, and were largely underwhelming under Gareth Southgate.
However, there have been some bright spots, which might ultimately cause some additional problems for the manager.
While Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have struggled to match their club form this summer, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer have impressed and could put pressure for changes ahead of the match with Slovakia.
Speaking to Prime Casino , Smith thinks that Southgate may be wondering how to accommodate them.
He explained: “There was a bit more tempo to our play in the second half. Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer really did make a big impression and will have given Gareth Southgate a lot of food for thought in terms of his team selection for the next game.”
He added: “I was pleased to see [Conor] Gallagher go off. It’s rare that Gareth Southgate makes substitutions at half time - he was decisive - and the decision paid off. Kobbie Mainoo came into the game and instantly improved things.
“What a talent Mainoo is, and what a temperament he has to go into that environment and stamp your mark all over it straightaway. Incredible from Mainoo and one of the only positives to take from the performance.”
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