Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo played the full second half for England in their Euro 24 group C encounter against Slovenia today.

The Three Lions have progressed to the competition’s knockout stages in spite of three underwhelming performances in the group stage.

England experienced an immediate effect with Mainoo’s introduction, as they only had 63% of the ball against Slovenia in the first half.

The Three Lions increased their possession to 79% after Mainoo came in for Conor Gallagher in the second half, and they never seemed to be in danger of losing.

The United superstar was as amazing on a personal level.

Mainoo had an astounding 97% pass accuracy by finishing 33 out of 34 passes.

In the ninetieth minute, he also provided a wonderful touch to set up Harry Kane, but instead of shooting, the striker selflessly passed it to Cole Palmer, giving England three points and an assist for Mainoo.

Overall, the 19-year-old gave a solid display, seeming unfazed by the situation and giving England’s midfield more composure and experience. His ability to perform well in a dysfunctional and misfiring team is demonstrated both at the international and club levels.

The England manager should think about starting the Manchester United player in the country’s opening knockout stage match against one of the four top third-placed teams—possibly the Netherlands—even if the country’s other substitutes, Trent Alexander Arnold, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon, did not show much promise.

Trent Alexander Arnold’s midfield experiment has not worked, and Gallagher has not seemed comfortable with Southgate’s formation.

Despite playing a wider right than usual at Old Trafford, Mainoo seems to fit the best in England’s midfield with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham out of the three.