Kobbie Mainoo's strike and performance at the weekend has only fuelled calls for the Manchester United midfielder to be part of Gareth Southgate's plans for this summer's Euros.
The teenager made his international debut for England during last month's friendlies and was named man of the match for his performance against Belgium. Those displays and his performances for Manchester United since making his first-team debut for the club in November has many believing he'll be part of Southgate's final squad to Germany.
However, speaking to instantcasinos.com, Smith, who played for England at the 1992 Euros, thinks Mainoo shouldn't just be part of the squad but could start their first game against Serbia.
“He quite possibly could start,” he said.
“England haven’t got too many centre-midfielders, so it just depends what shape Gareth Southgate plays. I definitely think he’ll go to Germany now and he might just be vying for a starting position. You don’t want to ask too much of him, but I think he’s got the temperament to handle it now.
“That goal against Liverpool and his performances in general show that he’s not been sidetracked by all the praise he’s received. You see in the interview he gave after the game – he’s a level-headed boy who has a wise head on his shoulders, which is vital as well for somebody in his position. He’s a very exciting talent who has a big future ahead of him.”
Live on DAZN PPV: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20. Click here for details.