Gary Lineker sends incredible message to Kobbie Mainoo after Man United star's England debut
Gary Lineker sends incredible message to Kobbie Mainoo after Man United star's England debut
Kobbie Mainoo made his first start for England in the 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday night
Gary Lineker, the former England international and current Match of the Day presenter, has praised Manchester United's young star Kobbie Mainoo after his impressive full England debut.
Mainoo, who is only 18 years old, was given a chance to start against Belgium after coming off the bench late in the game against Brazil on Saturday night. Despite the Three Lions not winning, Mainoo's performance was noteworthy.
He played as part of a midfield that included Declan Rice as captain for the evening and Jude Bellingham just ahead of them.
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Mainoo's ability to fit in seamlessly alongside these two players shows his remarkable talent. Lineker certainly thought so, expressing his admiration for Mainoo on social media.
Lineker posted on social media: "A superb first start by Kobbie Mainoo for @England. He's not only played himself into the squad for the Euros but quite possibly the starting lineup. Well played young man," followed by three clapping emojis.
Considering that Mainoo only made his full Premier League debut for United in November, Lineker's comments highlight the teenager's rapid rise to prominence. Ex-England goalkeeper Rob Green, who was co-commentating on the match, suggested that Mainoo should 'cancel your holiday' as he is likely to be in Germany for the Euros with Gareth Southgate's team.
Before the game started, England's manager had lots of good things to say about Mainoo. Southgate said: "He seems very calm. You can see he is taking everything in.
"Talking to him tactically, he seems able to take all those concepts on. A lot of young players now, with their academy education, are able to do that. You can see his comfort with the ball and receiving in tight areas."
"There are a lot of steps being taken in a very short period of time, but you saw in the brief cameo the other day some of the qualities he has.
"Sometimes, with the really young ones, they are not even thinking about that. It is all flowing and maybe then as you get a bit older you start to think about it a bit more. It is a beautiful, innocent moment when he is just in the flow and lapping up the opportunities as they come."
Youri Tielemans scored first for Belgium, but then Ivan Tony got his first goal for England from a penalty. Another goal by Tielemans made it look like Belgium would win, but a last-minute goal by Bellingham spared England's blushes.
