Jermain Defoe backs Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer to give England ‘identity’

England’s young talents Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon can help establish the team’s identity heading into the knockout stage of Euro 2024, according to former striker Jermain Defoe.

While England may have secured qualification for the last 16 as winners of Group C, the underwhelming goalless draw against Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday night left more questions over the direction of Gareth Southgate’s squad.

The introduction of Manchester United midfielder Mainoo at...