Kobbie Mainoo has added a third England cap to his tally this evening after being named in the starting 11 to take on Iceland at Wembley.
The Three Lions are currently at the halfway stage of their final warm-up fixture before they jet off to Germany next week, with their Euros opener penned in for Sunday, June 16 against Serbia.
There may be some cause for concern for Gareth Southgate as his side enters the interval 1-0 down. Of course, there’s nothing but pride on the line in such matches, but a defeat won’t do anything for the players’ pre-tournament jitters.
On Thursday, the manager confirmed his 26-man squad for England’s campaign; Harry Maguire was unfortunately omitted due to a calf injury, but Luke Shaw and Mainoo made the cut, the latter of which is likely in dreamland after rounding off his breakthrough Manchester United campaign with a first senior trophy, having played a direct role in the win by scoring in the final.
Mainoo can play a crucial role, suggests Southgate
Now looking to add a potential Euro winner’s medal to his honours list, Southgate has assured that he has no qualms starting the 19-year-old starlet in decisive ties.
“We wouldn’t have any hesitation in doing that. He [Mainoo] has shown incredible maturity all season,” Southgate told Channel 4 ahead of kick-off tonight.
“We love the way he can receive in tight areas. He progresses the ball forward quickly, and he is strong in the challenge as well.
“He had two fabulous appearances here in March, and he continued that form with Manchester United. We’re looking forward to seeing him tonight.”
Now, not to take anything away from Kobbie and his undoubted skills; but my cynical skepticism does flare up when A largely untested teenager is hailed by an international team’s manager who, at least, has a more than passing, “gossipy”, possible link to that player’s club manager position (Potentially)!! I have to wonder if Southgate is “Tossing Taffy” at The Religion (as the Great Managers from the 1960s and 70s used to say)?!? I was just wondering!!
I don’t see what the hype is about the lad. He is a decent player going forward but absolutely non existent when defending. I don’t think I have seen him put in a challenge all season at utd or with England. He has a habit of jogging behind or along a player who is running at the defence.
He is certainly not a defensive midfield player.