England team 'leaked' as one major change made for Euro 2024 last 16 match

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly set to start in England's crucial Euro 2024 last 16 match against Slovakia on Sunday. The young midfielder made a strong impression during the second half of the disappointing goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday.

England manager Gareth Southgate has been grappling with finding the right balance in his midfield. He started both of England's games against Serbia and Denmark with Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice.

However, the normally right-back player seemed out of place in the role and the experiment was abandoned before the Slovenia game. Conor Gallagher stepped in for Alexander-Arnold but the Three Lions struggled to make headway through the midfield with the Chelsea star next to Rice.

Mainoo came on for Gallagher at half-time and seems to have done enough to earn a starting position in England's upcoming game. As per the Daily Telegraph, the 19 year old is expected to start the match.

It seems likely Gallagher will be dropped given his lacklustre performance against Slovenia. The former Crystal Palace loanee also carries a yellow card after being booked against Denmark, reports the Express.

Calls have been made for either Mainoo or Palace's 20 year old midfielder Adam Wharton to be given more playing time. Some fans and pundits are also suggesting a change in formation might help Southgate extract better performance from his underperforming team.

The 53 year old England manager, who took the team to the brink of glory at Euro 2020, found himself the target of displeased fans launching empty beer cups after the team's draw with Slovenia in Cologne. However, England defender Marc Guehi was quick to jump to Southgate's defence during Thursday's press conference.

"He has been fantastic for England. If you look at his record, it speaks for itself," stated Guehi. "Everyone is behind the manager and we have a really close tight-knit group just focused on the next group. Everyone appreciates him, especially me."

"He gave me my debut for England and he's showed so much confidence in me. I am really grateful and I'm sure the rest of the team is as well."

Despite not dazzling in every game, England topped Group C. The team eked out a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen before being pegged back to a 1-1 draw by Denmark in Frankfurt.

Manchester United's youngster Mainoo capped off an impressive debut season by netting a goal in the club's FA Cup victory against Manchester City.