England should build their midfield - and their team - around wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo, Jack Wilshere has urged Gareth Southgate. 

Mainoo started for the Three Lions in Sundaynight's dramatic Euro 2024 last-16 victory against Slovakia and caught the eye with an assured performance.

The talented 19-year-old was selected ahead of Conor Gallagher and played 84 minutes of the dramatic showdown alongside Declan Rice in Gelsenkirchen.

Southgate's side were staring down the barrel of a shock knockout for much of the contest but drew level after Jude Bellingham's sensational overhead kick.

Captain Harry Kane then headed home the winning goal in extra-time to complete the turnaround and book a quarter-final clash against Switzerland. 

Another sluggish display from England this summer did not go unnoticed, however, and Wilshere believes Mainoo will be crucial in transforming their fortunes.

'Kobbie Mainoo has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­- and their team - around,' Wilshere said, via The Sun.

'That's what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat. I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in. 

'But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.

'He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.'

Arguing a pivot of Mainoo and Rice provides better structure, Wilshere added: 'Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.

'He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.'

Mail Sport's Craig Hope awarded Mainoo a 7 rating and described the youngster as the 'only positive' in a limp first-half showing, writing: 'He would have been man of the match if not for England recovering to win after his late withdrawal.'

Ahead of the game, Southgate heaped praise on the teenager. 

'He's looked really comfortable in an England shirt,' he said. 'He has played some huge games for his club and looks comfortable in our environment.' 

Mainoo is expected to keep his spot in the starting line-up against the Swiss although Southgate faces a defensive headache with Marc Guehi now suspended.