England are one step away from winning their first major international tournament since 1966 and the man from Manchester United has been instrumental.
Kobbie Mainoo has surpassed even the most optimistic expectations for him, becoming one of England’s most important players within the span of the Euros.
The semifinals against Netherlands was further evidence of the increased status of the rising star who can arguably already be counted among the world’s best midfielders.
To say that about a player who, at the start of last season, had just come off a season with the United U18s and show how meteoric and record-breaking his rise has been.
Now, he has started setting all-time records at international level after bossing at the club level
Kobbie Mainoo sets all-time England record
When Mainoo took to the field for the semifinal against the Netherlands, he set an all-time record in England’s history.
For a nation that has seen star-making breakthroughs of players like Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, to quote more recent examples, he has set himself apart.
Mainoo, at just 19 years and 82 days, has become the youngest player to play in the semifinals of a major tournament for England.
There are multiple reasons for this record being set. First of all, while Mainoo debuted later than the likes of Rooney, his has been such a transformative presence that he has made the whole team tick.
As a result, England have looked like a different side ever since he came into the first XI, supercharging their entry to this stage.
Secondly, while there have been more breathtaking arrivals at the international stage for England, few have been as assured and consistent as Mainoo.
Owen’s goal in the 1998 World Cup as an 18-year-old prodigy will go down in the history of English football. Mainoo hasn’t had one such iconic moment for the highlight reels. Instead, he does the simple things well and makes the audacious look simple.
The result is the betterment of the whole side instead of one player looking head and shoulders above the team, which has also been the case in moments when Mainoo’s conduct just belies his age.
Ramifications for Man United
When Mainoo was chosen as a late pick for the Euros squad, the belief was that Gareth Southgate had bowed down to public pressure. United fans were mostly happy, as it meant their key player for next season would be involved in a major tournament while not playing much as he got himself recharged.
However, Mainoo has become the key cog of the England side as quickly as he did at United last season. As a result, United are in a position where they sent a key player for them to the Euros who returns as one of the world’s best.
The confidence Mainoo will take from these displays cannot be understated. While he’s not a player who has ever looked fazed, he has unlocked another level to his game at the Euros.
That will only benefit United as they step into a new era at the club. Mainoo had already shown enough last season that he will be a key part of that era. Euros have shown he can lead it.
