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Topics: England, Paul Scholes, Euro 2024, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo
Jack Kenmare
Topics: England, Paul Scholes, Euro 2024, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo
In his own words, Paul Scholes gave a "surprising" assessment of England's performance in their 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
The Three Lions will play either the Netherlands or the third-placed Group E team in the knockout stages at Euro 2024 after they topped Group C with five points.
England have been criticised by many for their lacklustre start to this summer's tournament in Germany, with pundits and fans alike expressing their views on the matter.
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Earlier this week, after it emerged that Conor Gallagher would start over Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final Group C clash with Slovenia, Scholes shared his thoughts on the decision.
"Why are we obsessed with energy when we should be obsessed with the brain," he wrote on Instagram.
The former Manchester United midfielder has been largely negative about England and Gareth Southgate this summer but on Tuesday night, he offered some praise for the Three Lions.
Taking to Instagram after the full-time whistle, he said: "Might surprise a few... very encouraged by that performance."
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He added: "At some point during that game the right players were on the pitch at the same time. Think this team is ready to click. Night."
Kobbie Mainoo, who was one of Manchester United's standout performers last season, made a real difference when he came on at half-time.
In fact, the 19-year-old completed more passes in 20 minutes against Slovenia than Conor Gallagher managed in the entirety of the first-half.
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Ahead of the game in Cologne, Scholes urged Gareth Southgate to give Mainoo a place in his midfield.
"If Kobbie Mainoo came in, all of a sudden you have control, you have a player who makes your team play football," he told TNT Sports.
"Sometimes it takes just one player to be able to do that. You think of Toni Kroos with Germany, he just makes them play football. Rodri with Man City and Spain. I think Kobbie Mainoo has got the ability to do that and all of a sudden, that frees up the likes of Jude Bellingham.
"I think that one change could make a hell of a difference to this team". A win for England would see them secure top spot in Group C and clinch a knockout stage tie against a third-ranked team from either Group D, E, or F."