Teams are being knocked out of Euro 2024 at a rapid rate and a few Manchester United players have seen their tournaments come to an end.
The England contingent is still alive, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo posting to social media: “Not ready to go home yet. On to the quarters.”
Mainoo delivered a complete performance in England’s extra-time win over Slovakia, with one pundit claiming he embarrassed his more established teammates.
Mainoo, 19, has also highly impressed former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
Rio Ferdinand on Kobbie Mainoo
Rio Ferdinand spoke to Five in the wake of England’s tense Euro 2024 last 16 victory over Slovakia.
He said he loved everything about Mainoo’s performance and attitude, and also revisited comparisons to Clarence Seedorf.
Ferdinand said: “He was the best player. I see his family yesterday and what a humble family, but also enjoying the moment. You can see why he seems so unfazed, unaffected by the stardom, by the attention.
“He has just got a maturity to his game that it is just like, wow.
“I said when I first see him there’s a bit of Seeforf in him. I really do think that. He has got a long way to go to get to them levels, but his style of play and his decision-making for someone so young.”
Mainoo now key starter for England
Kobbie Mainoo started for England against Slovakia, a major vote of confidence from manager Gareth Southgate, who has made an overdue decision on the young midfielder.
Mainoo gives England some balance in midfield, and his composure really stood out in the tricky fixture against Slovakia.
Expect him to keep his place for the quarter-final against Switzerland, where he can further enhance his reputation.
England are just three matches away from glory. After witnessing Mainoo’s unstoppable rise through his career to date, you would not put it past him.
