“He’s been unreal” - Declan Rice lauds ‘unbelievable’ Manchester United star for Euro 2024 displays
England star Declan Rice has lauded Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for his stellar showings at UEFA Euro 2024. Mainoo has been brilliant for Gareth Southgate's side so far partnering with Arsenal's Rice in the middle of the park.
Southgate has tinkered a lot with his midfield during Euro 2024 but has eventually settled for the midfield partnership between Mainoo and Rice. The latter has been a regular feature in the England setup for a while now. He recently lavished praise on his new midfield partner. The Arsenal midfielder has said, as quoted by UtdDistrict on X (formerly Twitter):
"I've got to say, Kobbie [Mainoo] has been unbelievable... He's been unreal."
Mainoo has started the last two games for England in the Euro 2024 while coming on as a substitute in two games. The 19-year-old has earned seven caps for the Three Lions following his breakthrough season with Manchester United.
Having come through the youth ranks of Manchester United, he has made 35 senior appearances. The technically gifted central midfielder has scored five goals and provided one assist for Erik ten Hag's side.
England will take on the Netherlands in Dortmund, Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on Wednesday, July 10. Mainoo will be expected to keep his place in midfield alongside Declan Rice.
Manchester United star Luke Shaw reacts to referee involved in match-fixing being appointed for England’s Euro 2024 semi-final clash against the Netherlands
Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has reacted as UEFA have appointed Felix Zwayer as a match official for the Euro 2024 semi-final between England and the Netherlands. The official received a six-month ban back in 2006 after he was found guilty of accepting a €300 bribe while assisting Robert Hoyzer.
After UEFA appointed Zwayer as the referee for England's fixture against the Netherlands, Shaw has insisted that England are not bothered about it. The Manchester United defender said, as quoted by Mirror:
"Not at all. We have to respect UEFA on whoever they decided to pick as ref. That won't change anything for us, we just focus on the game at hand and not focus on the refs we're given."
England have made their way to the semis of the Euros despite not being at their best and scoring just five goals. They beat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties in the quarter-final after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.