McCoist says Mainoo ‘100%’ has to make Euros squad and names the player he should replace in England’s starting 11

Despite being a Scotland fanatic, Ally McCoist has advised Gareth Southgate how to best tackle England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

After making the final in 2021, with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw scoring their only goal of the game, the expectation will be that the Three Lions take it one step further this time around by winning the tournament, and they certainly have the quality to do so.

United are likely to have several players called up to the squad. Harry Maguire is essentially a given at this stage, as is Shaw if he’s fit in time to make the trip. Mason Mount has endured a tumultuous term with injuries while Marcus Rashford’s fluctuating form could reportedly see him left behind.

Kobbie Mainoo put forth an excellent case for his inclusion across his first two caps for the national team this week. He bypassed the under-21s to make the leap to the senior squad before being awarded his debut against Brazil last Saturday, making a 15-minute cameo off-the-bench against the five-time world champions.

On Tuesday, the 18-year-old was named in the starting 11 for England’s clash with Belgium at Wembley. He put in another outstanding, spirited shift for 74 minutes before being withdrawn to a standing ovation by supporters at Wembley and was subsequently named the Player of the Match following the full-time whistle.

He formed a midfield trio alongside world-class talents Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, both of whom praised the United starlet for his quick adaption and mature showings.

Mainoo ranks above senior counterpart, says McCoist

McCoist shared his verdict on Southgate’s decisions via DAZN, saying: “I’m not sure Mainoo will start at the Euros, but I’m 100% sure that he should be on the plane.

“He is ahead of Jordan Henderson in the pecking order for me. Henderson is far from finished, but Mainoo has moved ahead of him.”