Gareth Southgate lists the three things that impressed him most about Kobbie Mainoo in his first start

Kobbie Mainoo was awarded his first-ever England start last night just three days after earning his maiden international cap.

The Manchester United starlet is enjoying one of the most scintillating breakout campaigns we’ve seen from a Carrington graduate in recent years, having bypassed the Three Lions’ under-21s and become a senior international after just 20 matches played this season.

He’s impressed so highly in those games that he’s become a mainstay in Erik ten Hag’s starting 11 while remarkably catapulting himself in contention for a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad.

All the while, it’s been evident that Mainoo has a mature head on his shoulders, as he isn’t letting any of the outside pressure or hype distract him on the pitch. He continues to receive plaudits after each and every performance, whether it be from fans, neutrals, teammates, pundits or former players.

Southgate delivers glowing verdict of Mainoo

Southgate is the latest to laud his new addition. He said of the 18-year-old after Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium: “[I told him] that he’d had a fabulous week [when he came off the pitch]. 

“Everything that we’ve seen with his club, he reproduced in an England shirt, which isn’t always the case. Very calm, receives [the ball] so well under pressure, strong… so we’re a little bit more open playing that way, but the benefits with the ball are clear to see.”

"We controlled the game, we created a lot of chances."

Gareth Southgate was happy with the character and quality shown by England and singled out Kobbie Mainoo for praise.

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