Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo’s meteoric rise continues, as he finds himself on the brink of a potential start in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Slovakia for England.
The Manchester United academy graduate has only featured from the bench thus far in the Euro 2024 tournament but after an astounding second-half cameo against Slovenia – he now looks set for his first start in the competition.
No one can say it wouldn’t be deserved. Kobbie Mainoo has proven time and time again that age is just a mere number, and has proven the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s philosophy of, ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough,’ time and time again.
His England teammates are inclined to agree, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins who has high praise for his new international teammate.
Kobbie Mainoo impressing Ollie Watkins
Mainoo was unknown to the world before the 23/24 season, but that’s certainly changed. Now he’s announced himself to the entirety of Europe on the international stage.
It has also given him the chance to showcase his skills not just to Erik ten Hag and the Manchester United first-team squad – but to all his new England teammates, which includes one of the Premier League’s top goalscorers last season, Watkins.
Speaking to ITV Football, the Villans striker spoke highly of Mainoo, impressed by his abilities at such a young age.
“Yeah, very mature. He doesn’t act his age. He’s very mature on and off the pitch. Again, unbelievable English talent, Watkins begins.
“Got the world at his feet. I can’t speak more highly of him. He’s athletic and the composure on the ball, to take the ball and receive it in tight areas as a midfielder.
“It’s, you know, I think that sets you apart, especially for the way we want to play. He is so comfortable on the ball. You can see why he’s so comfortable on the ball.
“You can see why he has been called into the squad because he has done it in his breakout season this year.”
Kobbie Mainoo to start against Slovakia?
With the Round of 16 clash looming, the question on everyone’s lips is now as to whether Mainoo will start against the Slovakians.
Ex-England international and former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere believes he should definitely be in the starting XI.
“Kobbie Mainoo was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield,” writes Jack Wilshere for The Sun. I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.
“But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at halftime. Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.
“And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do. It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure. He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.
Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.
Mainoo’s fate will be revealed at 4:00 PM on Sunday afternoon, and the fate of the Three Lions in Germany will be decided just hours later.