With AirPods in hand and a stone complexion, Kobbie Mainoo stepped off England’s team bus like a man on a mission.
So, we say a man. He’s only a kid, really. On Wednesday night, Mainoo, at the age of 19 years and 82 days, became the youngest player in history to represent England in the semi-finals of a major competition in Dortmund.
Not that the award would have bothered this incredibly brilliant young man from Stockport. Nothing does.
On the biggest night of his career, Mainoo delivered a performance that defied his young age.
Mainoo played to his own tune, controlling England’s tempo with the air of footballer who believes he belongs on this stage.
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Kobbie Mainoo was immense for England as they beat the Netherlands to reach the Euros final
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He became the youngest-ever player to represent England in the semis of a major tournament
It’s amazing to watch his quick cuts with the ball at his feet.
A couple of touches slipping by. receiving the ball while making a half turn. ball arrows into the feet of the forwards. sky passes. brief passes. extended passes. The boy is proficient in all genres.
intelligence, poise, work ethic, and balance. Mainoo carries everything and more.
He raced thirty yards towards his own goal in the twentieth minute in an attempt to steal the ball away from custodian Jordan Pickford.
He pivoted, surveying the area with his back to the goal, then sent a pinpoint pass out to Kieran Trippier on the left.
After driving fiercely forward for three minutes with the ball stuck to his foot, he sent an inch-perfect pass into Phil Foden’s path.
Shortly after, he was rapidly returning to his own penalty area in order to avert a potentially harmful attack by the Netherlands.
Every move. from a player who is still only a teenager.
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Poise, balance, intelligence, and work ethic are just a few of the incredible abilities that the 19-year-old possesses.
Among all of Mainoo’s many admirable qualities, his obvious love for playing forward is the most welcome.
Yes, he will work hard, just like any other modern centre midfielder. However, Mainoo doesn’t back down. Nobody believes in hoarding things just for their own sake.
If there is room ahead, he will make sure you cross it. He will play a forward pass if one is available, even if it means risking losing possession of the ball.
Mainoo plays football exactly the way it should be played.
The most perplexing dilemma that Gareth Southgate had to deal with prior to the competition concerned Declan Rice’s midfield partner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment failed; 45 minutes were spent on Conor Gallagher’s trial.
The solution was right in front of Southgate the entire time, as demonstrated by England’s three wins at Euro 2024, all of which Mainoo began.
Mainoo is calm under pressure and possesses the kind of attitude that has typified Southgate’s leadership. Bravery and courage, but above all, talent in abundance.
With Rice, the young player from Manchester United should be the face of England’s midfield going forward, Southgate or not.
If Southgate leaves, his replacement needs to see Mainoo’s potential and give him the opportunity to develop into an international player. Allow him to get some air.
The national team will benefit for the following ten years if that occurs.
Following Mainoo’s man-of-the-match performance in the FA Cup final victory over fierce rivals Manchester City, Mail Sport posed this query on May 25, 2024.
