Mainoo brings calmness to the midfield and has shown he can handle the big occasion, producing a man of the match display as Manchester United upset Manchester City in the FA Cup final last month.
Wharton has less experience at the highest level, but he has been outstanding since joining Crystal Palace and impressed in England training to earn his place in Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
He could be the player to pick up the ball from the backline to start attacks, freeing up Rice to venture a little further forwards. England need much better balance in midfield, and Mainoo or Wharton appear to be the best options to provide this.He was hauled off shortly after half time, and had a look of resignation on his face to suggest he knows he will not be starting in midfield again any time soon.
Southgate must now look elsewhere, and it is time for him to be brave by putting his faith in either Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton.
He has brought on Conor Gallagher as his first substitute in England’s first two games and the Chelsea midfielder has delivered workmanlike displays, but the Three Lions need to retain possession better and that is not Gallagher’s strength.
