- 11 hours ago
'OUTRAGEOUS' - Social media reacts to Kobbie Mainoo's full England debut
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 26 Mar 2024 15:45 CDT
- 6 min read
Kobbie Mainoo was handed his first senior England start against Belgium on Wednesday night, having made his international debut versus Brazil just days prior.
The Manchester United youngster is still only 18 years old, however he has become an integral member of Erik ten Hag’s squad at club level and he has been tipped for a place in England’s squad for this summer’s European Championship in Germany.
He was initially omitted from the Three Lions’ team for the March international break, but Gareth Southgate soon rectified this decision, despite no injuries at the time, and Mainoo was called up.
READ MORE: Barkley admits England dream amid Man Utd interest
Mainoo played the final 15 minutes against Brazil on Saturday before earning a start alongside Declan Rice on Tuesday.
Mainoo has been widely praised for his first-half performance at Wembley, which included several nice turns and passes, including a pivotal role in Ivan Toney’s equaliser.
Fans on social media were quick to praise the 18-year-old following his first-half display against Belgium.
READ MORE: 'What a player!' - Micah Richards heaps praise on Man Utd target
What have fans posted on X?
Watching Mainoo receive and play and coordinate on the half turn. pic.twitter.com/psfeoGVukJ
— Carl Anka (@Ankaman616) March 26, 2024
Wow, is that Mainoo changing the pace in midfield?
Some boy.— h (@htomufc) March 26, 2024
Mainoo nutmegging Onana. It’s outrageous pic.twitter.com/WjPHp0GMoI
— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 (@UtdEra_) March 26, 2024
So many midfielders just do not perceive gaps and drive into space the way Mainoo does so many times a game https://t.co/FaE5CrSvG0
— Aaron Moniz (@amonizfootball) March 26, 2024
How do people watch what Mainoo is doing and not see it. Look at what you’re witnessing and appreciate it.
— Jack Fawcett (@JackFawcett1704) March 26, 2024
salty rivals were questioning the selection of kobbie mainoo in the england squad. he's silencing each one of them with this performance pic.twitter.com/mfQRqM37TT
— ⚡ (@UTDCJ_) March 26, 2024
Kobbie Mainoo pivoting, turning out of pressure, then immediately playing the line-breaking pass, is what England have been missing at the 6 position. They need that middle person to connect the back-line to Bellingham and the forwards.
— Tactics Journal (@TacticsJournal) March 26, 2024
What has Harry Maguire said about Kobbie Mainoo?
Harry Maguire, Mainoo’s team-mate at Man Utd and now England, was eager to praise the youngster upon his inclusion in the Three Lions’ senior squad.
The former Leicester City man said: “It’s incredible he’s (only) 18, he’s so mature. He’s a bit like Jude [Bellingham] was when he was a young boy. He’s got a mature head on his shoulders. I had no concerns.
“I see day in, day out his ability in training. He just wants to work hard and do well. I congratulated him, said he deserved it, keep it up, and make sure he enjoys himself.
”He’s got everything, he can handle the ball brilliantly. He’s really strong, powerful, and you can see the progression to play that role, especially for Manchester United.”
