How the national press reacted to Kobbie Mainoo’s performance for England v Netherlands in Euro 2024 semi-final

Add as preferred source on Google

Kobbie Mainoo and England are into the Euro 2024 final after a win over Netherlands.

Let’s not forget Luke Shaw either, who came on as a half-time substitute in the semi-final. But Kobbie Mainoo was the real star of the show.

Shaw has been here and done it before. Mainoo is playing in his first international tournament and he is dominating opponents.

The teenager was so impressive as England controlled possession for large stretches of the game, passing the ball calmly and pushing to win it back.

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Inside the life of Man Utd’s rising star, including his parents, brother and school

Kobbie Mainoo now a hero

Kobbie Mainoo was subject of some really unfair criticism during England’s warm-up friendly with Iceland just before Euro 2024.

The Telegraph criticised him with just a 5/10 verdict, while The Guardian quite pathetically gave him a 4/10, claiming he ‘lacked nous’.

These caused an outcry among United fans who felt Mainoo was being picked upon as a fall guy, and criticised when there were more senior players underperforming and at fault.

This is becoming a distant memory now, with the national press queuing up to praise the Manchester United sensation, who is showing one he is one of the best midfielders in Europe, without the caveat of the word ‘young’.

Kobbie Mainoo reaction

England’s 2-1 victory over Netherlands was a truly memorable victory for the Three Lions and Mainoo was front and centre.

The Telegraph praised Mainoo as ‘composed beyond his years’ and awarded a 8/10 rating to his performance.

The Guardian also gave Mainoo a 8/10, declaring him the best player on the pitch in the first 45 minutes, adding, ‘what a performance’.

The Sun rated Mainoo’s performance a 8/10, with a separate editorial lauding him as a generational talent. We won’t argue with that.

Sky Sports asked why it took Gareth Southgate so long to realise Mainoo was his best midfielder, before giving him a 8/10.

From us, it’s a 10/10 for Mainoo. The way he has turned England around and made his critics eat their words has been special. He’s an absolute gem.