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.Declan Rice has provided some clarity on England’s tactical adjustments and why Gareth Southgate may be choosing certain players over others for their final Euro 2024 group stage match against Slovenia. With four points from their first two games, England needs a strong performance to secure advancement. However, concerns about Southgate’s lineup persist, especially with the unexpected exclusion of Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Recent reports indicate that Southgate plans to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield with Conor Gallagher, a decision that has puzzled many fans who expected to see Mainoo given his impressive performances for Manchester United. Declan Rice, speaking to ITV, defended Southgate’s tactics and shed light on the team’s defensive strategy, which has been a focal point in their training sessions.

Rice highlighted England’s strengths in their low block defense, noting their impressive record in limiting opponents’ shots on goal and maintaining a compact defensive shape. He mentioned that the team has been working on applying these defensive principles higher up the pitch, which will be evident in their upcoming game.

Rice explained that Southgate’s emphasis on out-of-possession play is crucial for the upcoming match. The decision to include Gallagher, known for his work rate and defensive contributions, aligns with Southgate’s focus on pressing and disrupting the opposition’s play. This approach, according to Rice, is intended to make England more aggressive and proactive in their off-the-ball play.

While fans and pundits have called for a more possession-focused game, especially with talents like Mainoo available, Southgate’s strategy appears to prioritize defensive solidity and pressing intensity. This tactical choice might be why players like Mainoo and Wharton, who excel in ball control, are not being selected.

In essence, Rice’s insights suggest that Southgate’s decisions are driven by a strategic emphasis on defensive robustness and pressing, rather than possession play. This could leave Mainoo and Wharton waiting for their opportunity, despite their evident talents and the calls for their inclusion.