England manager Gareth Southgate and Brentford striker Ivan Toney both spotlighted a core strength in Kobbie Mainoo’s playing style after the Manchester United star’s performance against Belgium on Tuesday.
Kobbie Mainoo made his first England start in the March international break only days after his senior debut for the Three Lions at Wembley.
The 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder impressed during his brief second-half cameo in the 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley on Saturday.
Following on from his showing against Brazil, Mainoo earned a place in the England starting XI and the United star once again made a big impression with his display.
Mainoo exhibited the same composure and calmness in the England midfield as he has done in the United midfield under manager Erik ten Hag this season.
The Stockport-born player made way for Tottenham midfielder James Maddison in the second half, but Mainoo once again highlighted his raw qualities in midfield.
Southgate talks Mainoo’s England performance
Kobbie Mainoo, who has had a remarkable season at Old Trafford, has shown exactly why Gareth Southgate was forced to make a U-turn on his initial snub.
Southgate had not called up the Manchester United midfielder in the international break, with Mainoo instead earning a place in the England Under-21s squad.
However, the England boss later made a U-turn and instead included Mainoo in his senior squad, with Southgate witnessing first-hand the United star’s talent.
Mainoo’s impressive performances against Brazil and Belgium will no doubt leave Southgate considering whether or not to include him in his squad for Euro 2024.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw against Belgium, Southgate admitted that he was blown away by Mainoo’s ability on the pitch considering the United star’s age.
The 53-year-old Three Lions boss added that United’s teenager is impressive on the ball, saying that Mainoo has the flair and ability to “manipulate” it in “tight areas.”
“He [Mainoo] gives us a different profile of midfield player to anything else we’ve got and we’re really pleased with what he’s done,” Southgate told reporters.
“You can’t believe his age really.
“His attributes are there for everybody to see, that ability to receive under pressure and ride challenges, to manipulate the ball in tight areas.”
Toney echoes Southgate’s comments on Mainoo
Brentford striker Ivan Toney made his mark for England on the night at Wembley after he scored from the spot-kick and cancelled out Youri Tielemans’ opener.
Jude Bellingham ensured England avoided back-to-back defeats in friendlies after he scored in second-half injury time, following on from Youri Tielemans’ first-half brace.
Following on from the draw against Belgium, Toney admitted that he was blown away by how Mainoo had broken into the England senior team at the age of 18.
The 28-year-old England international echoed Southgate’s sentiments after praising Mainoo’s ability on the ball and how he can ease his way past other players.
“At 18, I was probably playing on the Xbox and he is out there being a man and playing for England,” Toney told Sky Sports, as per BBC Sport.
“He just glides with the ball and I’m sure there’s more to come from him and he will go right to the top.”