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Before England's Euro 2024 last-16 tie against Slovakia on Sunday, the ���˿���'s chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering readers' questions on all things Three Lions.

Andrew asked: Why do you think we haven't seen Adam Wharton so far in the tournament, given his passing attributes would help the team progress the ball?

Phil answered: Wharton is the only one left in central midfield who has not been used after the Trent Alexander-Arnold "experiment" was ditched and Conor Gallagher was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo after only 45 minutes against Slovenia.

Manager Gareth Southgate was probably reluctant to just plunge the least experienced of that group right in - although we know things can change in tournaments - and I actually think Mainoo was the sensible substitute for Gallagher, who was disappointing.

I was actually surprised Gallagher moved up that particular pecking order so quickly and, unfortunately for him, did not distinguish himself.

Wharton's time may come, of course, and he is a real talent - but for now I can see why Southgate went with Mainoo.

Read Phil's other responses and the rest of Friday's football news