Former England star urges Gareth Southgate to build team around one player ahead of Euro 2024 quarter-final
A former England star has urged Gareth Southgate to build his team around one player, not just at Euro 2024 but for years to come.
On Sunday England booked their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a dramatic 2-1 win against Slovakia, but Southgate's side once again put in a dismal performance.
It took a 95th-minute wondergoal from Jude Bellingham to force extra-time, before a Harry Kane header turned the tie in England's favour.
Despite the many negatives about England's display, the performance of one player was certainly a positive.
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19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo was handed his first start at a major tournament, replacing Conor Gallagher as Declan Rice's midfield partner.
The Manchester United youngster caught the eye with another assured performance after impressing off the bench in the goalless draw with Slovenia.
After lasting 84 minutes against Slovakia, Mainoo is expected to keep his place in the team for the quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Saturday.
Speaking to The Sun, former England midfielder Jack Wilshere believes that Southgate needs to build his team around Mainoo.
"Kobbie Mainoo has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield - and their team - around," Wilshere said.
"That's what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat. I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.
"But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player. He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game."
"Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time. He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future."
Ahead of the Slovakia match, Southgate was full of praise for his young star.
"He's looked really comfortable in an England shirt," he said.
"He has played some huge games for his club and looks comfortable in our environment."
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Jack Wilshere, Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Football
Alex Brotherton