Gareth Southgate sends message to Kobbie Mainoo ahead of England Euro 2024 squad decision

Kobbie Mainoo was named Player of the Match for his superb display in England’s draw with Belgium (Getty)

Gareth Southgate believes Kobbie Mainoo is a unique addition to England’s squad after the Manchester United midfielder’s impressive display in the 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday evening.

The 18-year-old was handed his first senior start for England and was named Player of the Match for his performance as Jude Bellingham’s late goal salvaged a draw for the Three Lions at Wembley.

Mainoo has now strengthened the calls for his inclusion in England’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer and Southgate has praised the midfielder for his quick adaptation to the senior side.

‘His attributes are there for everybody to see, that ability to receive under pressure and ride challenges, to manipulate the ball in tight areas,’ Southgate said after England’s draw with Belgium.

‘He gives us a different profile of midfield player to anything else we’ve got and we’re really pleased with what he’s done, he’s adapted and adjusted brilliantly.

‘You can’t believe his age really, that he’s taking it all in his stride as he has.’

Gareth Southgate says he has been impressed with Kobbie Mainoo’s quick adaptation (Getty)

When asked what message he would give to Mainoo for the remainder of the season, Southgate said: ‘He seems very mature, very calm, he knows he’s making his way.

‘We’re absolutely delighted with what he’s done, first and foremost.

‘But there’s a lot of the season still to be played with his club. I had a plan on Saturday night for Tuesday that got blown apart in 12 hours so to have a plan for something in two-and-a-half months time, at the moment, is frankly ridiculous.

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‘We know some of the core parts of that, we know who has been able to play at that level, we know who our very best players are, and the rest we’ve got a lot clearer picture of what people are capable of from the two games we’ve played.

‘We’re just going to see how people are when they come back into form, whether they can do that fitness-wise with their clubs.’

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