England out to seal knock out place against Denmark

England will qualify for the last-16 of Euro 2024 with one game to spare if they defeat Denmark on Thursday – but will manager Gareth Southgate make changes in Frankfurt?

Kobbie Mainoo has declared himself “always ready to play” for the Three Lions and some pundits believe the teenager should start the Group C match.

England defeated Serbia 1-0 in their opening game last Sunday but faded after a bright start, and there are calls from pundits and fans for Southgate to make changes against Denmark.

“There is still a question mark about Trent [Alexander-Arnold],” former England midfielder Frank Lampard said.

“I am a massive fan, but to come in at this level and play there when there are so many different elements of the game to understand is difficult.

“I would look at Kobbie Mainoo and getting him in. Some kids come along that just settle into the team.

“You need to be able to find the pass at the right time. He sees it and nothing fazes him.”

Mainoo, 19, is the youngest player in Southgate’s 26-man squad and earned his call-up after establishing himself in Manchester United’s side in the second half of the 2023-24 season.

He came on as an 86th-minute substitute in place of player of the match Jude Bellingham, against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.

Spain’s 2010 World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas said: “Mainoo is so young and so unpredictable but he has this potential to play in-between the line.

“He’s a special player.

“I would love to see England play more offensive and on the front foot, I think it’s the perfect opportunity.”

Wayne Rooney, who made his England debut at the age of 17 in 2003, is another in favour of Mainoo starting.

“I would play Mainoo before Trent in midfield, 100%,” said Rooney.

“It’s not that Trent can’t play there. But I think to play in midfield you need that discipline, especially when you come up against the bigger teams, and [Alexander-Arnold] might get found out a little bit.”

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