Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard both felt the same way about the role that one Manchester United star should play in Denmark and England’s forthcoming Euro 2024 clash.
England could inch ever closer to reaching the knockout stages if they can overcome Denmark in their Group C clash at Euro 2024 in Germany.
The Three Lions are top of Group C after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Serbia last Sunday at the Veltins-Arena, with Jude Bellingham making his mark for England.
Denmark, on the other hand, were held to a 1-1 draw against Slovenia last weekend, despite Manchester United star Christian Eriksen firing his side into a first-half lead.
England are considered one of the favourites to win Euro 2024 this summer alongside the likes of host nation Germany, Portugal and France.
But Gareth Southgate’s men failed to impress in their Group C opener and England faced criticism for not putting up a more convincing scoreline against Serbia.
The England boss is in charge of the Three Lions for his fourth major international tournament and his future remains uncertain after the Euros.
Gareth Southgate, who was previously linked with United, is out of contract with England in December and could step down from his role after the tournament.
Rooney and Lampard talk Man Utd star
Manchester United stars Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen are both tipped to play key roles for Denmark in the clash against England on Thursday.
Luke Shaw was an unused substitute for England in the win over Serbia, with the United defender currently in a race to recover from his injury.
Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, came off the bench late in the second half and replaced Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham for a brief cameo appearance.
The 19-year-old United midfielder earned his senior England call-up during the March international break after an impressive breakout season at Old Trafford.
Gareth Southgate included Kobbie Mainoo in his England squad for Euro 2024, despite his limited experience on the international stage with the Three Lions.
But the England boss opted for a midfield pivot of Arsenal star Declan Rice alongside Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold for the Serbia match.
Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney admitted that it could be the right time for Southgate to start Mainoo in the England midfield ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“There is still a question mark about Trent,” Lampard told BBC Sport.
“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.”
Rooney added: “I would play Mainoo before Trent in midfield, 100 per cent.”
“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.”
Fabregas on ‘special’ Mainoo
Southgate has preferred Manchester City star Kyle Walker as his first-choice right-back, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold to support Declan Rice in midfield.
Cesc Fabregas is a big fan of Mainoo and called him a “special player,” with the ex-Chelsea and Barcelona star keen to see England play more on the “front foot.”
“Mainoo is so young and so unpredictable but he has this potential to play in-between the line. He’s a special player,” he said.
“I would love to see England play more offensive and on the front foot, I think it’s the perfect opportunity.”