The 18-year-old has been called up to the England squad for two international friendlies and could be given a debut by Gareth Southgate against Brazil or Belgium. Mainoo is an excellent talent and deserves this, but how should he be used?
Here are some ways Southgate can use it, according to 90min.com.
Defensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation
In the Manchester United shirt, Mainoo almost exclusively plays as a central midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This is also a tactical diagram that can help England maximize Jude Bellingham’s ability to create space and score goals or create assists.
If this happens, Southgate will need someone to play alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice to cover the backline, and Kobbie Mainoo could be the right choice. In addition, the Red Devils’ young midfielder can also be arranged with anyone else on the team like Conor Gallagher or Jordan Henderson.
Play as a defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation
It cannot be ruled out that Bellingham will be asked to play a little deeper for England as he did at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With Rice also playing very well when playing higher up the pitch at Arsenal, Mainoo’s task is to It will be vital to protect the spaces between the defense and midfield.
Potential arrangements for the midfield trio in this diagram include: Mainoo – Rice – Bellingham, Mainoo – Gallagher – Bellingham or Mainoo – Gallagher – Rice
Free kick in the 4-3-3 formation
There is an unfortunate absence for the England team in this gathering and possibly also in the upcoming Euro 2024, which is Kalvin Phillips. In fact, the midfielder currently on the Manchester City payroll is the perfect number 6 for the England team if he performs as high as he did at Euro 2020.
However, Henderson could also be a good replacement for Phillips in that role. Thus, Rice or Mainoo and Bellingham will be able to play a little higher. The midfield trio arrangement could then be: Rice – Mainoo – Bellingham or Henderson – Mainoo – Bellingham
Play central midfielder in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation
Southgate also occasionally likes to use three defenders as an innovation using a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation. If this 53-year-old captain applies such a strategy, the role of full-backs such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker or Ben Chilwell will be extremely important. 
At that time, Mainoo will play in the center in potential arrangements such as: Walker – Rice – Mainoo – Chilwell or Walker – Rice – Mainoo – Bellingham – Chilwell.
Ultimately, no matter what strategy he is asked to play, this teenage player is capable of responding. This could be the premise to help England find a perfect partner with Rice in the midfield. The opportunity has come, Mainoo’s mission now is to grasp it well.
