Paul Scholes makes telling 14-word comment as Kobbie Mainoo 'snubbed' by England

Paul Scholes has blasted Gareth Southgate's decision to overlook Kobbie Mainoo at Euro 2024. The Manchester United legend's comment came after it emerged that Conor Gallagher is set to start in midfield against Slovenia.

Scholes legend spoke glowingly of the 18-year-old, who enjoyed an impressive season at club level which led to his selection for his first major tournament. Mainoo is yet to feature for England in the tournament, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice the preferred midfield for Gareth Southgate in Germany, reports the Mirror.

However, that is set to change against Slovenia, with Alexander-Arnold due to be benched for Gallagher for England's final group match on Tuesday night. Scholes took to Instagram to vent his frustration at the reports.

He wrote: "Why are we obsessed with energy when we should be obsessed with the brain", hinting that Mainoo deserves a place over the Chelsea vice-captain.

Despite England already having secured their spot in the knockout phase, their lacklustre displays have been a major talking point during the tournament. Southgate's choices have come under fire, with fans calling on the likes of Mainoo and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton to be given a run in the team.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Scholes reiterated his belief in Mainoo's potential impact on the national team, comparing his talents to those of Toni Kroos and Rodri, saying: "If Kobbie Mainoo came in, all of a sudden you have control, you have a player who makes your team play football," praising the 18-year-old's capabilities.

"Sometimes it takes just one player to be able to do that. You think of Toni Kroos with Germany, he just makes them play football. Rodri with Man City and Spain. I think Kobbie Mainoo has got the ability to do that and all of a sudden, that frees up the likes of Jude Bellingham."

"I think that one change could make a hell of a difference to this team," he concluded. A victory for England would ensure they finish at the top of Group C and set up a knockout stage clash against a third-placed team from either Group D, E, or F.

Despite England already having progressed to the knockout stages, there has been tension between the squad and pundits. Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer levied criticism towards the team for their disappointing performance in their 1-1 draw against Denmark this past week.

Lineker - who branded the showing from the Three Lions as "s***" - earned a response from England skipper Harry Kane. He said pundits should "remember what it’s like to wear the shirt" before they criticise a team they also experienced failure with in the decades prior.