Euro 2024: Paul Scholes believes that Kobbie Mainoo has the potential to significantly impact England’s future success.

Former England midfielder Paul Scholes has expressed his support for Kobbie Mainoo to make a significant impact on Gareth Southgate’s side at Euro 2024.

Despite England securing four points from their first two matches, their performances have faced criticism. The team started their campaign with a 1-0 victory against Serbia, followed by a lackluster 1-1 draw with Denmark, leaving fans unimpressed both in Germany and at home.

In their final group game against Slovenia, Southgate is expected to make changes, particularly in the midfield position. Speaking to TNT Sports, Scholes stated that he believes Mainoo, a young star from Manchester United, is the ideal candidate for the role. Scholes described Mainoo, along with Declan Rice, as England’s best midfielders.

He expressed concern over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s experiment in midfield, stating that it would be difficult for him to adapt to a new position. Scholes sees Mainoo as a long-term asset to the England squad, bringing much-needed quality to the midfield area and providing support to Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Mainoo had a breakthrough season with Manchester United, scoring the decisive goal in their surprising FA Cup final victory against Manchester City. Scholes believes that Mainoo’s inclusion in the team will also allow Phil Foden to have more freedom and make a greater impact, as he has been underperforming in the tournament so far.

Scholes compared Mainoo’s potential impact to players like Toni Kroos for Germany and Real Madrid, and Rodri for Manchester City and Spain, who have the ability to make their teams play football.

While Scholes wants Mainoo to replace Alexander-Arnold, he does not suggest ejecting the Liverpool player from the starting XI. Instead, he believes Alexander-Arnold should be pushed to left-back, replacing Kieran Trippier. Scholes praised Alexander-Arnold’s abilities on the ball and suggested that he could provide more in that position.

Scholes does not anticipate Southgate making drastic changes for the next match but hopes that Mainoo will be included. He believes that Mainoo has the potential to change the entire outlook and perception of the team, describing him as a devastating player.