Laura Woods’ BetMGM Blog: Why Mainoo, Palmer & Alexander-Arnold Need to Start Against Slovakia

The Euros has been a blast

I’ve had so much fun at the Euros so far. It feels like a proper football tournament again; the Dutch filling the streets and dancing from left to right. The Scots, who we’ll miss, seemed to be everyone’s favourite fans. I spent some time with them before their first game against Germany in Munich – they were incredible. Bagpipes, megaphones, singing, dancing, chanting, kilts, Scottish bonnets and many, many cuddles.

And the videos of the German saxophonist entertaining the crowds. It’s just been amazing. I’ve been able to hear them before I can see them and that’s what it should be like. Special mention to England fans. They usually get a lot of criticism for bad behaviour but have been praised by German police. They’ve been frustrated by performances but have been brilliant nonetheless.

Wright, Neville, Keane & Baumgartner…

I’ve loved every minute of the tournament so far and presenting it has been amazing. Working alongside the likes of Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Gary Neville still makes me pinch myself and, while they are brilliant pundits, they do make me laugh.

We’ve had many funny moments so far but there is one that really stood out and that’s around the Austria vs France game.

Ian and Gary started discussing Christoph Baumgartner’s shot and whether or not he had actually kicked the ground accidentally before trying to chip the keeper.

That argument started before we went on air and continued after we came off. Well into the break and beyond!

Sometimes what you see on air is actually a watered-down version of the same discussion. I always like them to try not to have the chat before we get on the air so we get the best bits.

But on this occasion they were both so passionate that they were right they couldn’t contain it. Meanwhile, I’m trying to get some kind of order and get their attention for the other bits of analysis we are going to see and Roy is sat there ignoring them both in his own calm state of mind. I asked him what he thought and he said: “It doesn’t matter, he still missed!”

"As soon as you miss a chance like that you're going to get punished"@IanWright0 and @GNev2 argue on Austria's chance to go 1-0 up in the first half against France... 🥊#Euro2024 | #AUTFRA pic.twitter.com/E9YEJgjFKa

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2024

Youngsters Taking Centre Stage

Germany set the marker in the opening game 5-1 win over Scotland. Jamal Musiala is having a great tournament and looks well at home.

Spain and their young wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have been very impressive and look big contenders.

Portugal have one of the best squads at the Euros and I’ve enjoyed watching them play. They lost to Georgia but had already qualified top of the group. They weren’t one of my favourites, for some mad reason, but they are now… especially where other favourites like England and France have stuttered a bit.

Austria and Ralph Rangnick have been a revelation. We shouldn’t be surprised as they were great in qualifying but to win two games in a group as competitive as theirs, and only narrowly lose to France, is massively impressive.

England Criticism Fair Game

I think a lot of the criticism around England has been fair but some has been over the top. We’ve qualified top of the group, although I don’t know how. We’re lucky the other results have gone in our favour – but we’ve topped the group and that’s the main thing.

Remember Portugal in 2016? They had a similar start. I went to a lot of their games in France that summer. They were less than impressive, they ground out draws in the groups, won games by the skin of their teeth in extra time in the knockouts and beat France in the final. There are many ways to win tournaments, having a bad start doesn’t have to set the tone.

Some things haven’t worked and players haven’t looked their best yet but the difference Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer made off the bench made me much more optimistic. If we make those changes in the last 16 I think the team will click.

Changes to England Starting XI Needed

I don’t think Gareth [Southgate] has necessarily been wrong in the players he’s picked to start the group games but I think players have come off the bench and claimed their spots.

Mainoo instantly made an impact against Slovenia. He was very positive and linked up play nicely. We looked 100 times better and much more of a threat with him in midfield.

I love Palmer, he’s the kind of player other teams are scared of. I’d love to see Palmer start on the right and Bukayo Saka on the left against Slovakia. Mainoo deserves to start in midfield alongside Declan Rice and I think Trent Alexander-Arnold should come back into the side at right-back with Kyle Walker switching to left-back.

That looks like a much more balanced side to me.

Portugal My Pick For Trophy

I fancy Portugal to go close now and they’re my pick to win it. However, I do still think England will come good and make the final. We have a very favourable side of the draw and this is a golden chance so we can’t mess it up – there is too much talent in that team.

We have to get the selection right and we have to pull out a great performance in the next round to get our confidence back. I still have faith and England still have time.

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