Fans praised Kobbie Mainoo for his impact in England’s Euro 2024 draw with Slovenia, where he came on at halftime.

Gareth Southgate’s side produced another mediocre performance in the first half of the match in Cologne, failing to improve on their performance against Denmark, which drew widespread criticism.

Southgate made one substitution for the game, with Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, but the Chelsea player only lasted half an hour before being replaced by Mainoo.

Fans praised the move, with many questioning why Gallagher was chosen to replace the former Liverpool defender turned midfielder.

The Manchester United player received a number of compliments on X (formerly Twitter) for his impact on the game as England sought the victory that would secure first place in Group C.

The midfielder was introduced to the game at half time of the draw in place of Conor Gallagher

X (formerly Twitter) users praised the Manchester United fan for his second-half performance.

Another commented, ‘3 minutes in and Kobbie Mainoo has done more than any England central midfielder in the Euro.’

A third commented, ‘Mainoo has made England a functional side… who would’ve THOUGHT.’

Southgate admitted that he had been looking for a solution to his team’s midfield problems for several years, citing Kalvin Phillips as one player for whom England lacked a natural replacement.

He appears to be still looking for a solution, with Gallagher replacing Alexander-Arnold and Mainoo coming on for the Chelsea player at halftime.

‘Instant impact from Mainoo,’ one fan wrote on X.

Mainoo demonstrated why he deserves to start in our England midfield alongside Rice on Sunday, so Southgate should start Mainoo there,’ added another.

Calls came for Mainoo to start next to Declan Rice in the middle of the park in England’s last 16 fixture

Mainoo stated after the match that he is eager to impress for his country whenever he gets the chance.

‘Me and Cole [Palmer] are ready when called upon, as are the rest of the lads,’ Mainoo said after the game. ‘We train hard, and when our turn comes, we try to impress so that we can get started and contribute as much as possible to the team.

‘I enjoy football and playing, so anyone who is on the pitch wants to play.

‘They sat deep and were a good side on the ball, but I believe we have the quality to break these teams down as the quality rises in the coming rounds.