Paul Scholes has appeared to pass judgement on Conor Gallagher being tipped to start in England's midfield against Slovenia and urged Gareth Southgate to focus on 'brains' over 'energy'.

England have already qualified for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 thanks to Spain's win over Albania on Monday, but are searching for a much-improved outing against tonight's opponents.

An underwhelming tournament-opening win over Serbia was followed by a draw against Denmark with fans and pundits critical over their performances in Germany so far.

Southgate is searching for answers after struggling to find balance in his midfield with Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold favoured in a midfield trio.

The England boss admitted he is trying different tactics in a bid to get players replicating their club form at international level and is tipped to bring Gallagher into a starting role against Slovenia.

Gallagher's energy and pressing capacity are believed to be amongst the reasons for his expected promotion to a starting position, while Man United's Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace Adam Wharton remain sidelined.

Scholes - like many - has previously expressed a desire to see United's 19-year-old star, Mainoo, given starting minutes at the European Championship  and appeared to question Gallagher's role in a social media update.

Posting to his Instagram story on Tuesday, Scholes said: 'Why are we obsessed with energy when we should be obsessed with the brain.'

Scholes is well-versed in the midfield discussion after previously being played out of position with the Three Lions in a bid to accommodate Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in central roles.

The Manchester United legend wasn't afforded the frequent luxury of playing in his best position with the national team and later decided to retire early from England duty.

Passing judgement on the current crop of England stars, Scholes insisted Mainoo could be the answer and compared him to Germany's Toni Kroos.

'I think [Phil Foden] can play on the left-hand side, he's done that for Manchester City loads of times.' Scholes told TNT Sports.

'Phil Foden can pop up anywhere he wants to on a football pitch and he'll be a threat. If Kobbie Mainoo came in, all of a sudden you have control. You have a player who makes your team play football.

'Sometimes it takes just one player to be able to do that. You think of Toni Kroos with Germany. He just makes them play football, he makes Real Madrid play football.