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Paul Scholes was pleased with the cameos of Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer (Image: Getty)
Paul Scholes had a positive take on England's drab 0-0 draw with Slovenia - while making clear who he thinks should feature in the knockout stages at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions put forth yet another disappointing performance in Germany with fans left frustrated considering the level of talent existing in Gareth Southgate's squad. Despite the dull clash, England finished top of Group C with five points as the Manchester United legend managed to have an optimistic take on the game.
Taking to Instagram, the ex-England midfielder wrote: "Might surprise a few, very encouraged by that performance, at some point during that game the right players were on the pitch at the same time... think this team is ready to click." The introductions of Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer certainly gee'd up Scholes and the action fans got to witness from the England team.
Scholes has been a consistent voice in the corner of Mainoo, 19, pleading for the United starlet to get a chance in the England midfield as he hammered the decision of Southgate to start Conor Gallagher in the draw against Slovenia, ahead of the teenager when writing on Instagram: "Why are we obsessed with energy when we should be obsessed with the brain".
The 49-year-old likened the midfielder to Toni Kroos and Rodri prior to Mainoo's 45-minute cameo on Tuesday (June 25) which has certainly put him in the running to play alongside Declan Rice in England's first knockout clash.
Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo had positive influences in England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia (Image: Getty)
"If Kobbie Mainoo came in, all of a sudden you have control, you have a player who makes your team play football," he said of the 19-year-old. "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". Scholes has been one of several former England stars who have voiced their problems with Southgate's team selection with Ashley Cole clamouring for Anthony Gordon to play.
The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer's Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
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"I would like to see Anthony Gordon play from the left, I would like to see Foden playing on the right because I feel he’s been unfairly dug out," the former left back told beIN Sports while also making the case to see more of Mainoo or Palmer. "You can still see it as a rest for Saka. I would like Foden to show the world how good he is because we know.
"I feel he’s been unfairly criticised playing out of position. People might go well he’s a world-class player, he should be able to adapt. Fair point I understand that. But what I see of him playing for Man City I would like to see him play there."
