Surprise call for England: Mainoo tipped to start

A notable development is taking shape for England ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal against Norway. According to predicted lineups published by Yahoo Sports, young Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is expected to start. The 20-year-old, who has yet to feature at the tournament, is projected to take the field as manager Thomas Tuchel gives in to pressure to shake up his midfield.

According to the lineup prediction published by Yahoo Sports, Mainoo is expected to line up in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham to help control the tempo against Norway's press. This trio is assessed as one of the most critical battlegrounds that will determine the outcome of the contest.

It is stated that much of Norway's threat, having scored 11 goals in their last four World Cup matches, stems from captain Martin Ødegaard's ability to rotate the ball quickly and release Erling Haaland into space. It is assessed that if Mainoo can press Norway's deeper midfielders, England could significantly limit the moments in which Haaland receives service in dangerous areas.

It is stated that manager Tuchel has not yet announced his official starting XI, though he is projected to keep Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon on the flanks. In defense, Jarrell Quansah's suspension after his red card in the Round of 16 makes Djed Spence's return to the starting XI likely. England's exact lineup for the match against Norway will become clearer as the game approaches.

Source: Yahoo Sports
Image: Yahoo Sports