Frank Lampard heaps praise on Manchester United starlet impressing at Euro 2024

Frank Lampard shared his thoughts on the difference Kobbie Mainoo has made to England’s midfield at Euro 2024.

England manager Gareth Southgate appeared to overlook Mainoo during the group stages.

The Three Lions started the tournament with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield before testing Conor Gallagher in the role alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Mainoo, 19, was in the starting line-up for England when they took on Switzerland in the quarter-finals. He became the second-youngest player for England to start a European Championship quarter-final behind Wayne Rooney.

He was among England’s best players in the first half before being substituted later in the second half.

Speaking at half-time on BBC, Lampard praised Mainoo after explaining the difference he has made to Southgate’s side.

“We spoke before the game about England looking a little bit rigid, a little bit positional, and that’s the main thing for me,” Lampard said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

“The system gives them their balance, but within that, good players, even though he [Mainoo] just turned 19, know to work off other good players. 

“And now you’re seeing him and Phil Foden, particularly in that half, and they go, ‘OK, Phil, you’re dropping deep, OK, I’ll go and stand behind the midfield’.”

England take on the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday night. Mainoo is expected to start and we could see Luke Shaw return to the line-up after featuring off the bench in Sunday’s win.

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.