Harry Kane impressed by Manchester United starlet at Euro 2024

Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo made his second appearance at the European Championship in England’s goalless draw against Slovenia

Mainoo’s 45-minute display on Tuesday night warranted plaudits and there are now calls for the 19-year-old to start in England’s next game.

The young midfielder replaced Conor Gallagher at half-time after the Chelsea star proved he wasn’t the answer to England’s midfield problems.

England are back in action on Sunday with their opponents set to be confirmed tonight. Former United duo Roy Keane and Gary Neville have both called on Gareth Southgate to start Mainoo in England’s last-16 clash.

Harry Kane has opened up on how Mainoo is getting on in the England camp and praised his performance against Slovenia.

Speaking on episode nine of the Lions’ Den on Wednesday, Kane was asked about the impact the substitutes had in the goalless draw before he spoke positively about Mainoo’s impact in the team.

“Kobbie’s been great, he’s really impressed since he’s been in the England set-up, he’s obviously a fantastic player and still very young but very comfortable on the ball, and likes to receive it under pressure. 

“He’s got a good balance of the defensive side plus the attacking side, getting close to the forwards and trying to link up so I thought he had a really good game when he came on.

“Of course it’s not easy for the guys who haven’t had a lot of minutes yet, they’ll have been itching to get on, itching to play and to make an impression. I thought he came in and did that really well.”

So long as Mainoo doesn’t get injured in Germany, I don’t mind, but it will be to our benefit if England continue overlooking the talented youngster.

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.