Kobbie Mainoo sets new England record in Euro 2024 S/F clash against the Netherlands
Following his start in the Euro 2024 semifinals against the Netherlands on July 10, Kobbie Mainoo became the youngest player to play at a major tournament for England. The midfielder has had a fine year, featuring prominently for club and country after breaking into both teams over the last few months.
Mainoo enjoyed a fine breakout season for Manchester United last season, playing 35 times across competitions and scoring five while assisting three. His finest moment came in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City. He and Alejandro Garnacho became the first teenagers since Cristiano Ronaldo to score for the Red Devils on the occasion as they won 2-0.
The midfielder has made seven appearances for the Three Lions so far, with four coming at Euro 2024. He will be keen to become the youngest English player to play for England in the final as well by helping secure victory in today’s clash.
Luke Shaw surprised by England boss Gareth Southgate criticism at Euro 2024
Luke Shaw recently said that he is surprised by the criticism England boss Garth Southgate has received at Euro 2024. The Three Lions boss is one of the most successful managers in the national team’s history but has often faced criticism
Southgate has won 13 games at the World Cup and Euros, the most of any Three Lions boss. He has also overseen 210 goals scored by the team, with only Walter Winterbottom (383) and Alf Ramsey (224) having overseen more.
The Manchester United defender revealed that he couldn't understand the criticism Southgate faces despite his achievements, saying in a recent interview (via Fotmob):
"I don't understand the criticism. What he's done for the country and us players, he's taken us to the next level. No manager has been as successful as he has recently. Us players love him, he's exactly what we need.”
"He allows us to go out on the pitch and be our best. He's shown a lot of faith and trust in picking me."
The left-back continued to back his manager and team at Euro 2024, saying:
"I never once thought that we were going to go out, we have to believe right to the end.”
"Good moments like Jude Bellingham's [overhead kick versus Slovakia] can happen, but it's down to us to deliver that on the pitch. Game by game we are getting better, there's things we can still improve on but we're looking good.”
Southgate is currently facing the Netherlands in Dortmund in the semifinals of Euro 2024. The England manager will be keen to secure a place in the final on July 14, where he will face Spain