“Always does something that you go, ‘not many are going to do that’” - Rio Ferdinand names most impressive England player at Euro 2024
England legend Rio Ferdinand reckons Three Lions midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has impressed him at the most at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate's side take on Spain in the final in Berlin on Sunday (July 14).
The Three Lions are into back-to-back European Championship finals for the first time. They booked their berth by coming from behind to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the second semi-final in Dortmund on Wednesday (July 14).
Xavi Simons' first-half strike was cancelled out by captain Harry Kane from the spot before Ollie Watkins netted a fine 90th-minute winner off the bench. Ahead of the big clash with La Roja at the weekend, Ferdinand said that Mainoo has impressed him the most in the Three Lions squad, saying on The Rest is Football:
“Kobbie Mainoo (has impressed me the most for England at this tournament). He’s been sensational for a kid who is 18 years old. I spent quite a bit of time with his family, and you can see they were important to him in the sense that (they were also) calm, level-headed people. That’s the way he goes out on the pitch.
“We know how it feels to represent England out there, the pressure is crazy. He’s playing like it’s just normal to him. He’s a beautiful player to watch, always does something in the game that you go, ‘not many are going to do that'. Not many can be that composed in those areas under pressure.”
Mainoo is yet to make a goal contribution but has been impressive in midfield in his first major tournament, having only made his Three Lions debut earlier this year.
Euro 2024 final: England looking for first title, Spain their fourth
England are on the cusp of ending their 58-year drought for a major-tournament title at Euro 2024, having not won one since their 1966 FIFA World Cup triumph over West Germany at home.
Since then, the Three Lions made their first European Championship final three years ago but lost to Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time despite opening the scoring.
Meanwhile, Spain are back in the European Championship title match for the first time in 12 years, having won the title in 1964, 2008 and 2012. A win in the Euro 2024 final wil make La Roja the first team to win four Euro titles.