Mainoo gives England something different, says ‘pleased’ Southgate after Belgium tie
KOBBIE Mainoo gives England a different profile of midfield player, manager Gareth Southgate said on Tuesday night as he weighs up his options for Euro 2024 after his side salvaged a late draw against Belgium at Wembley.
Jude Bellingham struck in stoppage time to earn an impressive England a 2-2 draw with Belgium, after a Youri Tielemans double had threatened a smash-and-grab victory in an entertaining friendly. Manchester United’s Mainoo, 18, who made his debut as a substitute in England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday, impressed again in a midfield three with Bellingham and Arsenal’s Declan Rice with a performance that earned strong praise from his manager.
“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,” Southgate said. “You can’t believe his age, really.
“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 also singled out West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney for praise, both of whom may have forced their way into England’s 23-man squad for the coming European Championship in Germany.
Toney, who started up front in captain Harry Kane’s absence, scored England’s first equaliser, converting from the penalty spot after being brought down by Jan Vertonghen, following excellent build-up play from Mainoo and Bellingham.
“At 18, I was probably playing on the Xbox, and he is out there being a man and playing for England,” Toney said of Mainoo on Sky Sports News.
“He just glides with the ball, and I’m sure there’s more to come from him – and he will go right to the top.”
The draw was harsh on England, who looked unrecognisable in approach from the side beaten by Brazil on Saturday, and they fully deserved their last-gasp equaliser. “I knew the rubbish we would’ve got if we had lost two games on the bounce,” Bellingham said.
“We should be winning with all the chances we’ve made, but these are two games that will stand us in good stead.
I know people will be negative, but we have to take the positives.
“I’m sure the manager will be happy with how we played. You’re never happy with a loss or a draw, but we have to be happy with how we played.”
Injuries to several first-team regulars have hampered Southgate’s squad, but he acknowledged the benefits of being able to offer other players more game time. “Definitely some players have emerged positively from the opportunities they’ve had,” he said. “So, we’ve perhaps got more depth in one respect, but the injuries are a concern.”
Meanwhile, English football’s attention will now shift back to the Premier League this weekend, with the highlight being Sunday’s clash between third-placed Manchester City and log leaders Arsenal.
Weekend Premier League Fixtures (SA Times)
Saturday – 2.30pm: Newcastle v West Ham. 5pm: Tottenham v Luton Town, Chelsea v Burnley, Sheffield United v Fulham, Bournemouth v Everton, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace. 7.30pm: Aston Villa v Wolves. 10pm: Brentford v Manchester United
3pm: Liverpool v Brighton. 5.30pm: Manchester City v Arsenal