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4 months ago
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England striker Ivan Toney has lauded Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
The Three Lions will take on Switzerland on Saturday evening after a dramatic last-16 win over Slovakia, thanks to a late goal from Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. Mainoo made his first start of the tournament in that game, replacing Conor Gallagher in midfield as Gareth Southgate finally accepts that Trent Alexander-Arnold is not a better option.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a fine breakthrough season at United, culminating in what proved to be a decisive goal in the FA Cup final win over Man City.
Now he is starting knockout games in the European Championship.
Mainoo touched the ball 77 times during his time on the pitch against Slovakia, with 65 of his 68 passes successful – one being a key pass. This made him one of Southgate’s standout performers and he is likely to start against Switzerland.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Toney said Mainoo doesn’t look one bit of place among the senior England squad in Germany.
The Brentford striker said (via Manchester Evening News): “Everybody knows his qualities. For club football, he’s played a massive part of the season. He carries himself so well on the pitch. He doesn’t one bit look out of place and has a bright future ahead of him.”
Toney is a player with a big summer ahead of him once the Euros come to an end. He is actively looking for a move away from Brentford, but it remains to be seen where he will be playing his football next season.
United have been linked with a move, but Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee appears to be United’s main target for a new striker.
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