Kobbie Mainoo admits he and Cole Palmer are ‘ready’ if Gareth Southgate decides to start them in Round of 16

Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon were impressive coming off the bench during England's last group stage match against Slovenia.

Kobbie Mainoo admits he and Cole Palmer are ‘ready’ if Gareth Southgate decides to start them in Round of 16

Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer are ready to start, if Gareth Southgate includes them in the starting XI. (via IMAGO)

England youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer insisted on being ready, if manager Gareth Southgate decides to start them in the Euros Round of 16. This comes amid growing pressure on the Three Lions manager to alter his selection strategies.

Manchester United prodigy Kobbie Mainoo, along with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, had an impressive impact off the bench during England’s goalless draw against Slovenia. 19-year old Mainoo came in at halftime, replacing Conor Gallagher who had a disappointing outing, and ended the match with 97 percent passing accuracy. Meanwhile, Palmer, the Blues’ Player of the Season, made his first European appearance by coming on for Bukayo Saka in the final 20 minutes

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There are growing calls for both players, especially Mainoo, to be included in England’s starting lineup for the knockout matches. Speaking to ITV, Mainoo conveyed his readiness, emphasizing that he and Palmer are prepared to step in whenever necessary. He highlighted their intensive training and determination to make an impact when given the opportunity to start. Mainoo also expressed his deep passion for football, noting that every substitute longs to get onto the field.

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Me and Cole, we're ready. Ready for whenever we're called upon, like the rest of the lads are. We train hard and then when we get our chances we try and impress and help the team as much as possible.
Kobbie Mainoo on himself and Cole Palmer (via ITV)

Additionally, he praised Palmer’s impressive performance, exclaiming that everyone recognizes his dynamism and the way he performs in training, pushing himself and striving to score goals. Mainoo, also a rising star, earned the Man of the Match award in his last full appearance for England.

Jamie Carragher cautions England fans about having ‘unrealistic’ expectations for Kobbie Mainoo

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher warned England fans of having unrealistic expectations from Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo. The Sky Sports pundit believes the 19-year-old is not the complete solution to England’s midfield challenges.

Jamie Carragher on Kobbie Mainoo
Jamie Carragher warned English fans from having ‘unrealistic’ expectations from Kobbie Mainoo (via IMAGO)

Writing for the Telegraph, Carragher suggested that while Mainoo performed well against Slovenia, it would be unrealistic for fans to expect him to control crucial international matches after only a brief stint in the Premier League. Rather, he advised a bold strategy for manager Gareth Southgate, recommending the exclusion of established stars to give deserving players a chance.

Mainoo did well when he came on and should keep his place, but expecting him to dictate massive international games after barely half a season of Premier League football is unrealistic.
Jamie Carragher’s warning for English fans (via The Telegraph)

Moreover, the former Reds star proposed that Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon should be included in the round of 16. England advanced to the knockout stages, finishing first in their group with five points.

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