Kobbie Mainoo’s performances for England at Euro 2024 have created history in the European Championship.
Kobbie Mainoo made 32 appearances across all competitions during his remarkable breakthrough season at Manchester United, and won a spot in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man roster.
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He was only occasionally utilized in England’s opening match against Serbia, replacing Jude Bellingham in the 86th minute. He actually didn’t play in the 1-1 draw with Denmark at all.
However, Mainoo was given the starting gig against Slovenia, Slovakia, and Switzerland when Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to make an impression in the’midfield experiment’.
Together with Declan Rice, the 19-year-old is beginning to solidify his place in England’s midfield for Euro 2024.
In addition, Mainoo’s 96% pass accuracy is the greatest Opta pass accuracy for a midfielder in the history of the European Championship, which puts his impact into context.
In the summer tournament thus far, Mainoo has completed 133 out of 138 passes; a remarkable number given the caliber of play in Germany.
According to James Benge, a CBS Sports correspondent, Mainoo is ranked 131st in terms of percentage of passes forward (13%) out of the 132 players who have completed over 100 passes at Euro 2024.
Alongside the more defensive-minded Declan Rice, who is a great supporter of the Manchester United academy product, the teenager has undoubtedly enhanced the balance of England’s midfield player.
Back in March, after Mainoo made his senior debut for the Three Lions in their friendly clash against Brazil, Rice said the “sky is the limit” for his international teammate. “Every time I’ve seen him playing for United on the TV, he has been pretty much their best player every game,”
Rice beamed as he sat next to Gareth Southgate. “I’ve been asked a lot by my friends ‘What’s Mainoo like?’ – and he’s impressive. I want him to enjoy his career. I think it’s really important that we don’t put too much pressure on him.
“He’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and now he’s at England we just want to let him flourish. He’s so composed.
“I have come across so many 18-year-olds who are top players but don’t have that full package. He’s just a really normal kid.”
