‘Can’t believe his age’ – Gareth Southgate hails Kobbie Mainoo after display in Belgium draw

Gareth Southgate was impressed by Kobbie Mainoo’s performance after giving the young midfielder his first start for England against Belgium.

The England manager will be picking his squad for Euro 2024 soon and last night’s 2-2 draw versus Belgium will give him plenty to consider.

Mainoo, 18, proved himself as a talent with the technique and ability to beat the press, control the tempo and cut opponents open with his accurate passing. His mentality stands out most, though, considering how mature and assured he looks on the pitch.

Perhaps it is time to believe the hype.

The United academy graduate made his debut as a substitute in England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday.

However, Mainoo impressed again in a midfield three with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. His performance led to praise from Southgate after the full-time whistle.

“He [Mainoo] gives us a different profile of midfield player to anything else we’ve got and we’re really pleased with what he’s done,” Southgate told reporters, as quoted by The Independent. “You can’t believe his age really.

“His attributes are there for everybody to see, that ability to receive under pressure and ride challenges, to manipulate the ball in tight areas.”

Mainoo will be in action again when United face Brentford on Saturday night.

Everyone will be watching him for the remainder of the season wondering if he can do enough to make Southgate’s squad for the European Championships. I personally think it’s only a matter of time before questions are asked over whether he should be in starting line-up.

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