England fans convinced breakthrough star should START for Three Lions as ‘missing piece’ in Southgate’s jigsaw
ENGLAND fans are convinced that Kobbie Mainoo is the “missing piece” in the England jigsaw after his superb performance this afternoon.
Erik ten Hag handed the 18-year-old his first Premier League start for Manchester United at Goodison Park.
And the midfielder produced a brilliant performance in midfield as the Red Devils romped to a 3-0 win over the Toffees.
Alejandro Garnacho stole the headlines with his incredible overhead kick, but it was his young team-mate that had supporters of the Three Lions talking.
Mainoo, who has represented England from Under-17 level to U19, completed 34 of his 41 passes to keep United ticking over.
He also won five duels, recovered the ball three times and made two clearances – including a vital one off the line while it was still 1-0.
Mainoo made his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Charlton back in January and then came off the bench in the Premier League victory over Leicester City.
He was then part of United’s squad for the pre-season tour, but an injury in the summer ruled him out of action until today’s return.
And despite it only being his first start, some supporters are convinced that he could be the man to line-up alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham as they urged Gareth Southgate to pick him for England ahead of Euro 2024.
One viewer responded to his display by posting on social media: “England’s missing piece between Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham is Kobbie Mainoo. Gareth, it’s your turn now.”
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Another said: “This is extremely hasty and it’s one game and you’re going to shout at me but given England’s particular circumstances in holding midfield (Henderson/Phillips), you could probably imagine a scenario where Mainoo breaking through at United sneaks him into the Euros squad.”
A fellow admirer wrote: “Kobbie Mainoo will play in midfield for England at Euro 2024. I think his rise will be meteoric.”
“Mainoo is the missing piece in the England midfield btw, he compliments Rice & Bellingham so well,” said another.
That theme continued with a Three Lions fan writing: “Declan Rice and Mainoo in England midfield with Bellingham playing ahead of them would be lovely.”
And another said: “Well at least we now know who Declan Rice’s new midfield partner for England is. Kobbie Mainoo looks some player.”
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