'Incisive'... How Kobbie Mainoo fared on his first England international start

Manchester United sensation Kobbie Mainoo made his first ever start for England, selected in a friendly against Belgium.

This was just Kobbie Mainoo‘s second ever England cap, following on from his international debut against Brazil.

It has been atruly remarkable rise for the 18-year-old, who only started his first Premier League game at the end of November.

Mainoo has been a regular for Manchester United ever since, and now he has made the step up to international starter.

Kobbie Mainoo shines on first England start

Kobbie Mainoo showed composure against Brazil at the weekend, completing 20 of 20 passes attempted in a confident 15 minute cameo.

He was absolutely outstanding against Belgium, and played a crucial role in the Three Lions equaliser after Youri Tielemans’ early strike.

Picking the ball up on the turn just inside the Belgium half, Mainoo turned one way, then accelerated in a different direction, driving past an opponent to start off an attack.

His pass to Jude Bellingham was fed into Ivan Toney who was brought down for a penalty, which he coolly dispatched.

Paul Hayward, former Chief Sports Writer at the Telegraph and Guardian, wrote on X: “An 18-year-old who always looks to play the incisive forward pass, often deceives the opposition before doing so, has strong positional sense and enjoys winning the ball back. Kobbie Mainoo looks right at home in an England shirt.”

Kobbie Mainoo was substituted to an applause after 74 minutes, rounding up a near 90 combining the Brazil game.

He completed 42 of 47 passes attempted, 89 per cent, and created two goalscoring chances.

Mainoo made 65 touches in total, winning two of two tackles attempted, making one interception.

This was a typically well rounded, confident performance in which Mainoo more or less secured his England spot for Euro 2024.

Third youngest Manchester United player to start for England

Kobbie Mainoo’s call-up underlines the importance of Manchester United’s academy to the England set up. No club has produced more teenage debutants than the Red Devils.

He is the third youngest player to start a match for England.