5 months ago
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KOBBIE MAINOO shared a picture of his beaming mum after helping fire England into the Euro 2024 final.
The Manchester United youngster was brought to Germany as a back-up for Gareth Southgate but has emerged as the Three Lions’ key kid this summer.
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Instagram @kobbie
Instagram @kobbieAt just 19 years and 82 days old, Mainoo became the youngest player to play in a semi-final of a major tournament for the Three Lions.
And the Red Devils ace did not fold under pressure as he was the driving force in midfield that saw England beat Holland 2-1.
To share his excitement at reaching his first-ever major international final, Mainoo posted a heartfelt carousel on Instagram of his family proudly watching him from the stands at BVB Stadion in Dortmund on Wednesday night.
One picture in particular that stood out was his proud mum dressed in England gear grinning at the camera.
A fan commented: “ITS COMING HOME STARBOY
.”
Another gushed: “King Kobbie 
.”
Then a third fan added: “Star of the show
.”
Mainoo also shared a viral meme of Paul Gascoigne saying “I’m now away to get my suit measured” – something the England legend memorably said after Tottenham reached the 1991 FA Cup final.
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Popstar Olly Murs commented: “Nah the gazza clip caught me off guard.”
Mainoo only made his full England debut against Belgium at Wembley back in March but instantly looked right at home.
A bit like Adam Wharton, Mainoo was seemingly selected in England’s 26-man squad to mainly learn what it is like to feature in a major tournament, and then perhaps make a few appearances off the bench.
He was effectively Southgate’s third-choice to partner Declan Rice in midfield but after getting his chance has become a key player and started the semi-final.
Mainoo’s first Premier League start was just eight months ago and the season saw him bag an FA Cup winners’ medal at the age of 19 in which he was the man of the match in the final against Man City.
For him to win Euro 2024 a couple of months later would be extraordinary.
England ratings vs Holland
ENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins' last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.
It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?
SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.
Jordan Pickford: 7
Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.
Kyle Walker: 7
Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.
John Stones: 7
Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.
Marc Guehi: 6
Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.
Declan Rice: 6
Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.
Kobbie Mainoo: 8
Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.
Kieran Trippier: 6
We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.
Phil Foden: 7
The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.
Jude Bellingham: 5
Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.
Harry Kane: 6
Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.
SUBS
Luke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6
Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.
Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN
Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.
Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7
Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.
Gareth Southgate: 8
His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke.
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