Kobbie Mainoo 'relishing' chance to shine for England on big stage
- Midfielder eager to start Three Lions clash against Slovakia
- The 19-year-old performed astutely on Tuesday evening
- Mainoo shone brightly during a challenging season for Man Utd
Kobbie Mainoo says he's ready to seize his opportunity to shine for England on the big stage, with a start likely against Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
The 19-year-old turned heads with an impressive 45-minute showing against Slovenia, having been tasked with replacing Conor Gallagher in the heart of England's midfield.
Mainoo's advancing into forward areas helped England fashion chances to win the game, most notably when Cole Palmer had the chance to break the deadlock in stoppage time after a sweeping counter involving the Manchester United teenager and Anthony Gordon.
England boss Gareth Southgate isn't expected to make wholesale changes to his team despite mounting pressure, with Mainoo's inclusion from the start likely to be the only switch as the Three Lions look to book a quarter-final date with Switzerland.
With the added scrutiny comes added pressure, but Mainoo, speaking in the build-up to the game, is confident that he's primed to perform on the big stage.
“Yes, probably,” Mainoo told ITV Sport, asked if the game is the biggest of his career. “Do I relish it? Yes, that is what you play football for, the big occasions. You don’t win anything big unless you play in the big occasions.
“I feel I want to be a great player and great players are made in those big occasions so I have to do my best whenever they come about.
“Whenever I get a chance to play I try and give it 100 per cent every time, that is what my dad always said to me, my parents always said to grab a chance with both hands. I have to do my best whenever they come about."
Mainoo earned his place in England's 26-player squad after a breakthrough 2023/24 campaign with Manchester United. He emerged as a shining light in midfield, becoming a regular starter, and netted an unforgettable winning goal against rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
His ability to drive forward with the ball has been praised, as has his footballing intelligence given his tender years.
On his style of play and role in England's team, Mainoo added: "I feel like I've always played like that since I was young. You know, I like to have the ball, and I always like to do tricks and stuff. So, yeah, I feel like I've grown up playing that way.
"I think my place in the [England] team is to get on the ball and to link play. Try and create things for the attackers and create opportunities for the team."
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