Gareth Southgate is set to start Kobbie Mainoo but avoid making wholesale changes against Slovakia after England’s unconvincing start to the Euros… with Three Lions boss to make a late fitness call on Kieran Trippier

Kobbie Mainoo is set to make his first start of Euro 2024 on Sunday, but Gareth Southgate is likely to resist the temptation to make any major changes to his team for the crucial match against Slovakia.

Manchester United midfielder Mainoo has made two substitute appearances here in Germany so far and made a big impression when he came on at half-time for Conor Gallagher in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

And Mainoo leads the battle to play alongside Declan Rice in England’s midfield in this weekend’s decisive round of 16 tie in Gelsenkirchen.

If the 19-year-old is awarded the honour, he will become Rice’s third midfield partner of the tournament alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gallagher.

Southgate has faced calls to make sweeping changes to the team, particularly his attacking line, which comes into the tournament in Germany after three disappointing performances in their Group C games.

The Manchester United star came off the bench during England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia

Gareth Southgate prepares to keep faith with those who started during England’s group stage

However, the England manager wants to remain loyal to the majority of his preferred XI, meaning players such as Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer – who were in high demand to start – may have to settle for a place on the bench.

However, Southgate will have to make a late check on substitute Kieran Trippier’s fitness before finalizing his starting line-up.

Trippier has not trained optimally in the past 48 hours as England struggle with a minor calf injury that he has carried into the tournament since the end of last season.

There are hopes that the Newcastle star can train this morning, which would mean he is available for the knockout match.

Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez are on standby to start the game if Trippier is unavailable, while Luke Shaw is back in full training. However, it seems unlikely that Southgate will want to risk becoming the starting left-back for Manchester United given he has not played for five months.

Bukayo Saka, who has started all three games on the right wing so far, insists he is not the answer to England’s left-back problem.

The Three Lions boss will make a last-minute decision on the fitness of left-back Kieran Trippier

Cole Palmer (left) and Anthony Gordon (right) impressed from the bench against Slovenia

Arsenal legend Ian Wright suggested Saka could play as a left back, but Saka told BBC Radio: ‘I love Ian Wright and he says so many good things about me, but I don’t think putting me in another position is the answer. position.

“But ultimately I think we can talk about it, but it’s in Gareth’s hands so we’ll have to trust whoever Gareth chooses on the day.”