"He has shown that with them and with us" - England boss Gareth Southgate waxes lyrical about 'amazing' Manchester United star ahead of Euro 2024
England manager Gareth Southgate has given a glowing verdict of Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo after including him in his provisional squad for Euro 2024. The young midfielder was man-of-the-match, scoring the winner in the Red Devils' 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City last Saturday (May 25).
Southgate showered praise on Mainoo, 19, by explaining how the Stockport-born starlet has shone for club and country. He's impressed with how the United academy graduate has dealt with pressure, telling England's media team:
"When you are playing for a club like Manchester United you are always under the spotlight. He has shown that with them and with us in March. We have never been afraid to put young players in, if players are good enough we are not so concerned about their age. It’s helpful to have more evidence when you are making decisions on players."
Mainoo enjoyed a breakout season at Old Trafford, a mainstay in Erik ten Hag's starting XI after returning from a pre-season injury. He made 32 appearances across competitions, bagging five goals and one assist.
Southgate touched on his form for Manchester United and his famous winner against City at Wembley:
"Kobbie has had an amazing season, really adjusted well, it’s fabulous for him to finish the season with a goal and a trophy at the end of it."
Mainoo is expected to make England's squad for Euro 2024 when the initial 33 list is cut down to 26 in a few weeks. He earned his international debut in March and majorly impressed in friendlies against Brazil (1-0 loss) and Belgium (2-2 draw).
Alan Shearer thinks Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo may have played himself into the England XI
Alan Shearer has similarly been full of praise for Mainoo after watching him produce a man-of-the-match performance in the FA Cup final. The Newcastle United legend told The Rest is Football podcast that the Manchester United teenager could be a starter at Euro 2024:
"Not only has he played himself into the squad, he may have played himself into the XI. In front of Gareth at Wembley, against that top quality Manchester City midfield he was the outstanding player. He may have just played himself into the XI."
Southgate isn't spoilt for choice in defensive midfield which is the role Mainoo could play at this summer's European Championships. Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips have been omitted from the squad after being regulars at previous major tournaments.
Mainoo could slot into midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. The latter duo are two of England's most important players and could shine alongside the Manchester United youngster.