Southgate's Main man?
Why stats show Kobbie Mainoo MUST start for England at Euro 2024 – as we compare Man Utd star to seven rivals
An ex-Chelsea star represents an interesting wildcard option
KOBBIE MAINOO continues to impress in midfield for Manchester United.
It is no coincidence the Red Devils form has picked up since he was brought into the starting XI.
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And his performances have now had some calling for the 18-year-old to break into Gareth Southgate's England team for Euro 2024.
Reports suggest the Three Lions camp have already made inroads to that end, with Southgate set to hand Mainoo a call up to the national team to ward off rival interest from Ghana.
This has not been lost on Arsenal icon Ian Wright either, who called for the teen to be called up to Southgate's squad next month.
Wright is not the only ex-pro on the Mainoo madness train, with Gary Lineker and co also waxing lyrical on The Rest Is Football podcast.
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But Mainoo is not the only star vying for a spot in the England team.
One of the biggest headaches going into the Euros is who can best partner Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
This got us thinking who that player could be?
We have had a look at eight midfield options for England and checked who may be the man to take our midfield up another level.
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Kobbie Mainoo
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Starring in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, Mainoo is used to bridging the gap between a creator and destroyer type of player.
England suffered in midfield against France at the last World Cup, and Mainoo's composure under pressure and proficiency in winning duels in the middle of the park would be key in helping the team excel.
Bruno Fernandes made incredible Kobbie Mainoo prediction 'two or three years ago' before he burst on to scene at Man Utd
Mainoo has also proven himself to be an effective dribbler, with his six completed against Luton being the most by a Man Utd player since Paul Pogba in April 2022.
However, there are rightly questions over whether he would be ready to shoulder such a burden in a major tournament.
Conor Gallagher
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Conor Gallagher has been one of Chelsea's star performers this season and has already been trialled in midfield by Southgate.
His numbers suggest he would work well to ease the defensive burden on Rice while adding a presence in the final third.
However, the 24-year-old has often played as Chelsea's most advanced midfielder this season, a role already likely to be occupied by Bellingham.
Furthermore, playing as a No8 has proven tricky for him in an England shirt in the past.
Kalvin Phillips
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Kalvin Phillips has been the man Southgate has turned to in the past as his third midfielder.
The on-loan Man City midfielders data suggests he would be the perfect man to compliment the other two names on the team sheet.
However, Phillips with only 291 minutes played this season he has serious questions over his fitness.
Furthermore, as it stands his disastrous couple of games at West Ham so far indicate he should not be near the squad let alone the starting XI, though those errors should be cut out with match sharpness.
James Ward Prowse
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James Ward-Prowse is an interesting option Southgate can consider.
He ranks among the best in the business for chances created thanks in part to his expert delivery at set pieces.
However, the 29-year-old lacks input in open play, as seen by his low ranking in touches and his defensive actions.
Futhermore, Ward-Prowse's progressive numbers are far from the best, with him ranking well below many of his peers in both progressive passing and dribbling metrics.
Curtis Jones
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Curtis Jones has proven himself to be a key part of England youth teams, scoring the winner in the 2023 Under-21 European Championships final.
He has also proven a deft hand for Liverpool when given the chance to play, with five goals in all comps this season.
Jones' numbers show he would be a useful option when facing teams who will defend deep.
However, once again this is a position already set to be filled by Bellingham, with Jones' other numbers indicating he isn't the best complimentary player.
James Maddison
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James Maddison has been the creative brain behind Tottenham's top four push this season.
As his data wheel above shows, Maddison ranks well across the attacking metrics.
Maddison does also operate as an advanced No8 for Spurs so would be able to play the position.
However, every top team requires balance, and once again it seems Maddison would be someone who could not perform at his best alongside Bellingham.
Jordan Henderson
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Jordan Henderson has been one of Southgate's favourite players for years.
However, poor form after leaving Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq before signing for Ajax last month has seen many call for his time in the England team to come to an end.
Henderson's numbers would also suggest he would not compliment a Bellingham-Rice midfield in the way needed.
There is also the obsession for players to play at a high standard to make the cut, so with Henderson playing in the Saudi Pro League and for struggling Ajax in the Eredivisie there are also questions over the 33-year-old overall quality at this stage of his career.
Ross Barkley
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A bit of a wildcard option, but Ross Barkley's re-emergence at Luton should not be understated.
He has been a key part of Rob Edwards side this season and is rightly receiving calls for an England recall.
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Barkley is the most well-rounded of the any midfielder in the list with a high rank across defensive, attacking and transitional figures.
However, the 30-year-old likely won't make it into the squad without injury to some of the other players in our list.
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