At the international level, managers may sometimes prioritize trust over form when selecting players for their squads. This can result in less experienced players being chosen over those who are currently performing at their peak.
In some cases, decisions may seem questionable, such as Southgate’s choice to include Kobbie Mainoo in the squad during the recent international break. Despite Mainoo’s impressive performances for Manchester United, his lack of experience raises concerns about his readiness for international competition.
While Mainoo’s talent is evident, his limited playing time and young age suggest that his inclusion in the squad may be premature. It remains to be seen whether Southgate’s decision will pay off in the long run.
The choice to include Mainoo in the squad appears even more peculiar when considering that Harvey Elliott was once again left out, despite the numerous injuries affecting the England team.
The Three Lions were missing Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon had just returned from an injury. Gareth Southgate had several options on the bench against Brazil, such as Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney, and James Maddison. However, if the intention was to reward good form, as in the case of Mainoo, why wasn’t Elliott given the opportunity?
The 20-year-old has been performing exceptionally well for Liverpool in recent weeks, stepping up to cover for various injuries in midfield and attack. Elliott has filled in for Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield and Mohamed Salah in attack. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, and he has proven himself worthy of a spot in the starting lineup even when everyone is fully fit.
Elliott’s recent form has been impressive, being directly involved in six goals in his last six matches. He has shown his versatility by scoring goals, providing assists, and even finishing a Europa League match with three assists. While he may not pose the same goal threat as Rashford or Bowen, or be as creative as Maddison, Elliott’s ability to play multiple roles at a high level should not be overlooked.
Southgate’s system thrives on fluidity, and Elliott’s adaptability could have been beneficial during this international break, especially with key attackers like Saka and Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined due to injury. It would have been an ideal opportunity to assess Elliott’s potential in the absence of these key creative players.
Elliott netted two goals for the England Under-21s last Friday, further showcasing his impressive scoring streak under Lee Carsley’s guidance. It will soon become increasingly challenging for Southgate to overlook his talent.
Mainoo possesses a distinct playing style compared to Elliott, and the decision shouldn’t have been a matter of choosing one over the other during this recent international break. However, neglecting the Liverpool player, who arguably deserves a spot on the team more, is simply unjustifiable.