It will be even harder without Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice around him, but Mainoo has already spared Gareth Southgate's blushes - now to do the same for his club manager
It will be even harder without Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice around him, but Mainoo has already spared Gareth Southgate's blushes - now to do the same for his club manager, the 18-year-old veteran heads to Brentford on Saturday uniquely placed to rescue the reputation of another manager needing a narrative transfusion.
That goal redeemed what was a much-improved performance by England, at the centre of which was the dynamic contribution of the Stockport supernova. The pitch was no longer a cul-de-sac in which the ball was endlessly recycled sideways and backwards, but a canvas with a vibrant colour palette. Southgate was suddenly plausible again and England were restored to contenders at this summer’s Euro pageant in Germany.
That Ten Hag is reliant on the magical properties of an 18-year-old is a measure of his plight. For a combination of reasons there is no future in Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay. Each offers attributes that every team needs, but they are also deficient in important areas. In Mainoo the fundamental elements are all present, coupled with an innate inability to command the stage.“Sometimes, with the really young ones, they are not even thinking about that .
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Erik ten Hag shoots down Kobbie Mainoo comparisons to legendary Dutch midfielderManchester United boss Erik ten Hag has responded to Kobbie Mainoo being compared to legandary midfielder Clarence Seedorf
Read more »
Kobbie Mainoo is about to fulfil Erik ten Hag's promise for Manchester UnitedA regular for Man United and now almost certainly a regular for England, Kobbie Mainoo's stratospheric rise is set to continue over the next four months.
Read more »
Footage of Kobbie Mainoo and Erik ten Hag moment at last season's Carabao Cup final re-emergesKobbie Mainoo and Erik ten Hag shared a moment at last season's Carabao Cup final.
Read more »
From Kobbie Mainoo to Manchester City, the winners and losers of England's international breakWhilst others, including Wales, were still trying to qualify for this summer’s European Championship, for England the March international break was about firming up preparations for Germany.
Read more »
Alan Shearer on Kobbie Mainoo, ‘under pressure’ Marcus Rashford and England’s defensive issuesWho are the winners and losers from England's two friendlies this week? And who should Gareth Southgate take to the Euros?
Read more »
Kobbie Mainoo comments might have predicted Man United summer transfer decisionMan United have an important summer transfer window ahead of them as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to put his stamp on the club
Read more »