“I asked him why he was benching Kobbie Mainoo because I loved playing with him but this is what he told me and I feltheartbroken “-Declan Rice reveals thee reason why Gareth Southgate keeps snubbing Kobbie Mainoo for Conor Gallagher for England clash which left them confused.⁹l

Declan Rice has provided insight into what he believes England will improve in their next game, hinting at why Kobbie Mainoo might not be starting.

 

With four points from their first two matches, England is preparing for their final group stage fixture at Euro 2024 against Slovenia. However, the football produced by Gareth Southgate’s side has raised concerns, and for the first time in many tournaments, it seems the manager is unsure of his best lineup.

 

After experimenting with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, it appeared Southgate might finally include Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo or Crystal Palace’s standout Adam Wharton. However, recent reports from David Ornstein indicate that Southgate plans to replace the Liverpool right-back with Conor Gallagher. This decision has baffled many supporters, especially those who watched Mainoo excel last season at Old Trafford.

 

Declan Rice seems to have explained Southgate’s reasoning for this approach. Speaking to ITV ahead of England’s final group game, the Arsenal midfielder defended Southgate’s tactics in the opening fixtures, particularly their defensive strategy.

 

Rice acknowledged adjustments in training this week. “I think in our low block, tactically, we’ve been unbelievable,” he said. “Defensively, we’ve conceded the least shots on goal, according to Steve Holland. We’ve got the best defensive record here in terms of stopping crosses, defending balls into the box, being compact and solid. It’s about doing that higher up the pitch, and that’s something I’ve experienced with England for a long time.

 

“I understand why people think we’ve been tactically off. There have been a few tweaks in training that have made me feel much better. I’m sure you’ll see that in the game as well.”

 

When asked about aspects he’s confident will improve, Rice said, “The one thing everyone’s talking about is our high press and our off-the-ball play. You’re going to see a team that is more front-foot, more in-your-face. We’re not going to let the opposition play with the ball as much. We’re going to prove we have that side to our game.”

 

Southgate’s focus on improving out-of-possession play explains his decision to bring in a workhorse midfielder like Gallagher. While fans and pundits have criticized England’s possession game, particularly with Alexander-Arnold in midfield, Southgate appears hesitant to move forward with a midfielder focused on ball control.

 

Both Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton might be left wondering what more they need to do to earn a spot in the team. Southgate may only realize this too l”I asked him why he was benching Kobbie Mainoo because I loved playing with him but this is what he told me and I feltheartbroken “-Declan Rice reveals thee reason why Gareth Southgate keeps snubbing Kobbie Mainoo for Conor Gallagher for England clash which left them confused.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ate for England.