Arsenal’s Declan Rice has shared what he told Manchester United youngster Kobbie Maino ahead of his full England debut last night.
Kobbie Mainoo received a deserved call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad last week and has quickly made an impression at international level.
The 18-year-old got 15 minutes under his belt against Brazil on Saturday and earned praise from the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
Mainoo was rewarded with a start against Belgium on Tuesday evening as he lined up alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
The Arsenal star was handed the armband in what was his 50th cap for the Three Lions and spoke about Mainoo ahead of the game.
What Rice said to Mainoo in training ahead of full England debut
Speaking to Channel 4 ahead of the clash against Belgium at Wembley, Rice discussed the prospect of playing alongside Mainoo.
“I don’t think it affects anything, I actually think it will be the perfect balance,” Rice said. “I think we’ve been training really well together.
“We had a little conversation with each other yesterday about playing really close to each other and keeping the ball because that’s the type of player he is. He wants to keep the ball in tight spaces and wants to pass the ball.
“Having someone like that next to you who’s on the same wavelength always helps. So, he’s 18 years old, it’s his first start. He’s going to have a massive career but let’s just let him enjoy the night.”
England vs Belgium
Southgate’s men got off to a nightmare start at Wembley as Jordan Pickford’s poor clearance was punished by Youri Tielemans.
But Ivan Toney quickly levelled things up from the spot after winning the penalty following a late challenge from former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.
As for Mainoo, he was heavily involved in the build-up to the penalty as he received the ball between the lines before feeding a pass into Bellingham.
Yet, England were the architects of their own downfall once again as a Lewis Dunk error led to Tielemans netting his second of the game.
Jude Bellingham grabbed a late equaliser for England with what was essentially the lack kick of the game after Mainoo was replaced by James Maddison in the 73rd minute.
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