For England international Rio Ferdinand thinks Gareth Southgate should have brought on Kobbie Mainoo much earlier in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday.
The Three Lions made an encouraging start as Jude Bellingham headed them into a 13th-minute lead at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen before fading in the second half and defending deep.
The 19-year-old Man United youngster was introduced in the 86th minute for Bellingham.
Ferdinand believes Mainoo would have brought more control to the game for England if he was introduced earlier.
“The game needed a bit more control,” he told BBC One after the match.
“Where are the players that can do that? Kobbie Mainoo maybe yes, [come on] a bit earlier if need be.
“But also someone like Cole Palmer who has got that bit of swagger and arrogance to say give me that ball. The way Tadic came on for Serbia, he came on and said give me the ball, I will be that outlet for you guys’.”