Rio Ferdinand feels that after England’s lackluster victory over Serbia in Euro 2024, they would have had more control if they had introduced Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer sooner.

The Three Lions took the lead in their group opener on Sunday night thanks to a fantastic header from Jude Bellingham after 13 minutes, and they looked hungry for more in a commanding first half.

They lost control of the match in the second half, though, as Serbia became more competitive. Jordan Pickford had to make an incredible last-minute save to keep his team in the lead.

Conor Gallagher came on with 20 minutes left to try and help his side regain control with Mainoo also summoned from the bench with 86 minutes on the clock.

And the only mark he left behind was 2 Accurate passes

‘The game needed a bit more control,’ Ferdinand told BBC One at full-time.

‘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’.

Mainoo will hope to play a more significant role in England’s upcoming group games, with fixtures against Denmark and Slovenia coming up.

Cesc Fabregas meanwhile was left unimpressed with England’s second-half showing, suggesting a more attacking-minded change by Southgate would have delivered a different message to the team.

‘If you send the message in putting in a defensive midfielder or an extra defender to cover the result, you will as a player feel it,’ Fabregas said.

‘Mentally you start going back, dropping more. But instead if you put an offensive player, Palmer let’s say, up the pitch and controlling the ball in the final third, I think the players get so much more comfortable.’

England continue their group campaign against Denmark on Thursday evening.