England fans have been upset with manager Gareth Southgate’s tactics throughout the tournament.

Paul Scholes was one of the dissident voices. To be honest, the former Manchester United midfielder has a personal past with England and has reservations about the country.

Many of the Red Devils legend’s best years for the Three Lions were squandered by manager Sven Goran Eriksson, who chose to play him on the left side of midfield rather than the center.

So it’s little surprise Scholes has taken United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo’s lack of a starting spot in England’s opening three games as a personal assault.

Scholes responds to the Mainoo display.

Following England’s tie with Denmark, Scholes simply uploaded a photo of Mainoo, who did not play for a single minute.

Ahead of the Slovenia game, he urged England to play Mainoo, claiming the 19-year-old would allow the Three Lions to dominate the game.

He did not get his desire, as Mainoo remained on the bench. The only positive was that Southgate acknowledged his mistake at halftime, when Conor Gallagher was replaced and Mainoo came on.

Later in the second half, Cole Palmer came in for his first minutes of the tournament, while Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to his more natural right-back position.

England finished the game strong, searching for a winner late on, with Mainoo almost giving it when his backheel flick set up a chance for Palmer.

Scholes has been critical of England throughout the tournament, and despite the frustrating 0-0 stalemate, he stated on Instagram Stories after the game that he is now feeling hopeful.

He wrote, “May surprise a few…” I am highly encouraged by that performance… During the game, the appropriate players were on the field at the same moment. I believe this team is ready to click. Night.”

Scholes did not go overboard, as you cannot after a 0-0 tie, but he made it plain that he believes the England team has discovered the perfect formula, with Mainoo playing an important role in it.

The teenager completed 97% of his passes, as England dominated possession in the second half.

Scholes holds a high regard for the Manchester United academy alumnus, claiming that Mainoo is a greater player than he was at the same age.

Neville and Keane supported Mainoo.

After the defeat, Scholes’ former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville and Roy Keane told ITV that Mainoo should start England’s next game.

Mainoo, 19, could be better off sitting out the majority of England’s three group games to get some extra rest.

Now it’s knockout football, and England must field their strongest team. It should be obvious by now that this includes Mainoo.

England’s opponents for the last 16 are still to be determined, with the match scheduled for this Sunday. There is plenty of time to debate who should play the other positions, but the argument for Mainoo has already been made.