Gary Lineker says Kobbie Mainoo has to go to Euro 2024 as Stuart Pearce joins Jude Bellingham in hailing Manchester United starlet
Kobbie Mainoo might have just played himself into England’s Euro 2024 starting XI, according to Gary Lineker.
The Manchester United midfielder was making his full debut for the Three Lions after being named in the team for the international friendly with Belgium on Tuesday night, a match that ended with a 2-2 draw.
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Mainoo has done his Euro 2024 hopes the world of good following his latest displayCredit: GettyBut while just 18 years of age, Mainoo put in the sort of performance that you’d expect from an England mainstay.
Fans of the Premier League have seen a bit of what the midfielder is capable of, but his performance for England left supporters feeling very excited at the way he slotted in alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in central midfield.
One person who was particularly impressed was England legend Gary Lineker, who wrote on X: “A superb first start by Kobbie Mainoo for England.
“He’s not only played himself into the squad for the Euros but quite possibly the starting line-up.
READ MORE ON KOBBIE MAINOO”Well played young man.”
Jude Bellingham heaped praise on the midfielder post-match as well, telling Channel 4: “He was good tonight.
“It’s difficult, I’m speaking like the old head and I know there’s a clamour [for him to be picked] but he is definitely a brilliant player and he will have a great future for Manchester United and hopefully for England too.”
Those sentiments were echoed by talkSPORT’s Stuart Pearce who said: “I think he had a super game, I really do.
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Mainoo put in a performance way beyond his years against one of the world’s top sidesCredit: Getty“He’s been confident on the ball and turned when he’s had the opportunity to do so.
“With two caps under his belt I think he’s looked very sufficient in his standard of play and it’ll be interesting to see how he finishes the season for United.
Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo reacts to getting his first ever call-up to the England Squad
“I think he’s given Gareth something to think about.”
When asked about Mainoo’s chances of making it to Euro 2024, Southgate unsurprisingly kept his cards close to his chest though.
Southgate told talkSPORT: “I’ll be delighted if everyone is fit for a start, so let’s hope we’ve got all those decisions to make.
“I’m really pleased with the way he played. He’s so comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, his strength against some combative midfielders and a beautiful bit of play in the lead-up to the first goal. There were several moments like that with him.
“He’s a bit more open without the ball and there was evidence of that as well so we’ve got to get the right balance to the team.
“But it’s great to have a player like him as an option.”
Read More on talkSPORTWith ten matches left of the Premier League campaign, Mainoo looks to be firmly on track to earn a spot in Southgate’s 23-man squad.
Providing that he can avoid injury or a dramatic drop-off in form, the teenager is looking like an early contender to play a big role in the tournament ahead.
