Kobbie Mainoo not ready to go to Euro 2024 with England, but Cole Palmer is one of the first names on the team sheet

Kobbie Mainoo has had a great breakthrough season at Manchester United, but isn’t he ready for Euro 2024 with England.

That’s the view of Graeme Souness, who suggested to talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan that Chelsea star Cole Palmer should instead be on the plane to Germany.

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England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to name his 26-man Euro 2024 squad by June 7 and is expected to make big calls due to such a big crop of talent.

Mainoo has made 26 starts for United this season and many have touted him for a place in the team, but Souness does not believe now is the time for the 19-year-old.

“You’ve got the young Mainoo coming in,” Jordan told Simon & Souness of the midfielder, with both men agreeing: “Not ready yet.”

“You’re going to say playing for England?,” Souness asked and his co-pundit replied: “I’m going to say, is that a conversation that should be happening given he’s joined the England squad ?

“Is he ready to accompany Southgate to the tournament? Is it worth him going there to cut his teeth and be part of an environment or are you all business for this tournament if you’re Gareth Southgate?”

Souness responded and offered the Chelsea man instead: “All business. I don’t think he’s ready and I think… the boy Cole Palmer…”

Palmer was touted as one of the signings of the season with 24 goals and 14 assists in all competitions from the right wing and midfield after signing from Manchester City.

Like Mainoo, Palmer has only made two senior appearances for England, but when Jordan asked him if he thought he was ready for Euro 24, Souness replied: “Yeah. I think he’s more far in this way, different player, scorer.

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“If you went there tomorrow, if this weekend you picked a group of players, Cole Palmer could be one of the first names on the team sheet if you’re Southgate.

“If you went to Germany this weekend or announced a team this weekend he would be one of the first names on the team sheet, he has been outstanding.”

Jordan commented on Palmer’s excellent season, adding: “I kind of had reservations about him at first because I thought there was no way (Pep) Guardiola would let him go because he cannot manage the child’s expectations.

“Then I’ve seen over the last six weeks an acceleration in Cole Palmer. I thought he was doing well, but in his last few performances he’s taken it to a different level.”

Souness then backed up Jordan’s claim, adding: “That first goal he scored against Everton (in Chelsea’s 6-0 win), he hit (Jarrad) Branthwaite and then the ball tossed around a little bit and he followed him.

“Then he finally gets it back, sorts his feet and takes a corner with his left foot, he’s up top. Then other times he’s been in the right place at the right time, so he has that feeling that all the greats attackers have “.

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With the squad for Euro 2024 increasing from 23 to 26 players, Southgate’s life regarding which players to select for Germany has been made somewhat easier.

Midfield stars including Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are expected to be named ahead of Mainoo if he is considered, with Conor Gallagher another more experienced option.

Palmer could also face competition with Bukayo Saka and Jarrod Bowen both thriving on the right, although his versatility could give him an advantage.