Man Utd star ‘in line to start’ for England v Slovakia with Gareth Southgate set to answer Gary Neville call

Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly in line to start for England against Slovakia on Sunday, as Gareth Southgate continues to search for his ideal midfield combination.

Trent Alexander-Arnold started the first two games at Euro 2024 but was replaced early in the second half on both occasions by Conor Gallagher. The Chelsea man was then selected in the final match of Group C against Slovenia but was withdrawn at break in place of Mainoo.

After the introduction of the Manchester United teenager, England looked much less rigid and played with greater tempo. It led to Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Gary Neville calling for Mainoo to be selected from the off when England’s knockout campaign begins this weekend.

“I think it was quite obvious that we needed someone in there who would get us playing and Mainoo does that, I think [Adam] Wharton's capable of that as well,” Neville said after Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

A report in the Telegraph now states the United youth graduate will start against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen. “Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is in line to start his first game of the Euros after an impressive performance as a substitute in the draw with Slovenia,” the outlet stated.

Meanwhile the Telegraph added that Gareth Southgate will face a decision on whether to reintegrate Phil Foden into the starting line-up after he returned to the UK this week to attend the birth of his third child. The Manchester City star returned to camp on Thursday night but, having missed almost two full days, must prove to Southgate that he is ‘fully prepared for Sunday’.

Luke Shaw could be an option for the Three Lions after confirming in the aftermath of the Slovenia match that he would be back for the ‘next game’. The left-back hasn’t played since February due to injury and is unlikely to be fit enough to start.