Mainoo boosts case for making final cut as he seizes chance
WHEN Gareth Southgate named his initial squad for England’s friendly double-header, many were disappointed Kobbie Mainoo was not given a Euro 2024 audition.
But on callback night at Wembley after his late call-up, the Manchester United teenager made his unexpected chance count.
Southgate has made no secret of the fact his plans for the games against Brazil and Belgium have been scuppered by injuries.
While that has been a source of frustration in defence, in particular, it may just have allowed the England manager to stumble upon his midfield for the Euros.
Crucially, Mainoo was not only afforded a first international start, but also handed one in an otherwise firstchoice trio, alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
The 18-year-old (right, last night) never once looked out of place, gliding between the lines, shimmying beyond rivals and playing a part in the lead-up to two golden chances; one taken by Ivan Toney from the penalty spot, the other blazed over by Bellingham.
Perhaps it is still a long shot to see Southgate trusting Mainoo as part of his tournament XI.
But the case is growing, boosted by the fact that he ought to be pushing against an open door, given no player currently has a firm hold on the third slot in England’s midfield.
Jarrod Bowen does not have the same luxury, with Bukayo Saka a cert to start as the right-sided forward and a host of top-level strikers vying for spots.
Opportunities to impress out wide in this England team are a bit like trains on the District and Circle lines. See one pass by and you never know when the next will arrive.
In no other positions is Southgate more blessed for options than either side of Harry Kane.
And so it was to Bowen’s credit last night that he grasped his chance to strengthen his hopes of securing a seat
The teenager is pushing against an open down as no player has a firm hold on the third slot in the midfield
on the plane to Germany. Bowen has looked a different player in these games from the one who first entered the England fold in June 2022.
Back then, he nervously played within himself and struggled to make an impression. Yet, last night, he was effervescent, picking up where he left off after a bright cameo against Brazil.
A lung-busting run down the right almost brought England a first-minute goal, only for Toney to fluff his lines.
He combined well with Phil Foden, tested goalkeeper Matz Sels whenever he could and was unfortunate to have his first England goal ruled out.
While Cole Palmer and Jack Grealish are rivals for the right-side spot, Bowen is fortunate Southgate sees Foden, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon as left-sided options. “I just wanted to keep doing what I’ve been doing at club level and bring that here”, said Bowen. “Hopefully, there will be more opportunities. But it’s back to West Ham now, finishing the season strongly and not coming off the page I’m on.”