England manager Gareth Southgate has been impressed by Kobbie Mainoo's ability to handle the pressure at Manchester United in his breakout season.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 19-year-old has been rewarded with a call-up to the Three Lions' squad for Euro 2024 after his excellent performances for United this season. Mainoo rounded off an impressive debut campaign with what turned out to be the winning goal as Untied beat Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Southgate says he is happy to give the midfielder a spot in the England squad for the upcoming tournament, insisting he is not worried about his lack of experience after seeing his maturity in action on the field for United.
WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID
Southgate told the national team's website: "The curious thing about young talent is how will they cope under pressure. You can see the technical ability but it's about how tactically aware they are, how mature, ability to cope with big matches. When you're playing for Manchester United you're always under the spotlight. He's shown that with them, with us in March. We've never been afraid to put young players in. If players are good enough we're not so concerned about their age. Kobbie has had an amazing season and it was fabulous for him to finish the season with a goal and a trophy."
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
Having finished off the season with a trophy at United, Mainoo will hope to earn his third England cap when the Three Lions meat Bosnia-Herzegovina in a pre-Euro 2024 friendly in order to boost his chances of a starting XI spot at the competition in Germany this summer.
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