Kobbie Mainoo has caught the eye in England training ahead of their last-16 clash against Slovakia.
The Stockport-born midfielder, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Manchester United‘s midfield last season under Erik ten Hag, is expected to start in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
Having impressed as a second-half substitute in their final group stage game against Slovenia, the 19-year-old will bring a different dynamic in the middle alongside Declan Rice.
In fact, Mainoo sent a clear message to Gareth Southgate at their training base in East Germany on Thursday as the England boss prepares to name his team for this weekend’s knockout stage clash.
After being closed down by Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, he managed to get away from his man with a superb piece of skill. Check it out below:
Given the amount of technically gifted players at their disposal, England have so far struggled to take control in midfield areas, although Mainoo made an instant impact against Slovenia.
He not only looked assured defensively but took up more advanced positions to support the attacking line.
As mentioned earlier, Mainoo is in line to start his first game at Euro 2024, although it remains unclear whether Phil Foden will feature after he temporarily left camp to be with his partner, who gave birth to a baby boy.
Declan Rice, meanwhile, was given a rest on Thursday but is expected to be fit for the Slovakia game. Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, was also absent from training with a slight calf issue.
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