With his Airpods in his hands and skin like stone, Kobbie Mainoo stepped off the England team bus looking like a man on a mission.
Well, we say a man. He’s a child, really. At the age of 19 years and 82 days, Mainoo became the youngest player ever to represent England in the semi-finals of a major tournament here in Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Not that the accolade would have bothered this prodigiously talented lad from Stockport. Nothing does.
On the biggest night of his career, Mainoo delivered a performance that was unprecedented despite his young age.
Mainoo played at his own pace and set the tempo for England with the attitude of a footballer who believes he belongs on this stage.
Kobbie Mainoo was invaluable for England as they beat the Netherlands to reach the European Championship final
He became the youngest player ever to represent England in the semi-finals of a major tournament
Mainoo beams with joy after England win with fellow midfielder Declan Rice
His quick movements with the ball at his feet are a feast for the eyes.
Passing with one or two touches. Receiving the ball on the half turn. Shooting balls to the feet of the attackers. Aerial passes. Short passes. Long passes. The boy has the full repertoire.
Balance, poise, intelligence, work ethic, you name it, Mainoo has it and more.
In the 20th minute he sprinted 30 meters towards his own goal to steal the ball from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
With his back to goal, he turned and surveyed the area before slotting the ball perfectly to Kieran Trippier on the left.
Three minutes later, at the other end of the pitch, he made a wild run forward with the ball at his feet, before delivering a perfect pass into the path of Phil Foden.
Moments later he rushed back into his own penalty area to thwart a dangerous Dutch attack.
All action. All from a player who is still just a teenager.
Balance, poise, intelligence, work ethic – the 19-year-old has a repertoire of astonishing skills
Mainoo’s most refreshing quality, and there are many, is his clear commitment to playing as a forward.
Yes, he will make the hard yards that all modern central midfielders need. But Mainoo is not someone who retreats. No one who wants to keep possession for the sake of possession.
If there is space, he runs in. If there is a forward pass to play, he plays it – even if it means risking the ball.
This is how football should be played – and Mainoo does it brilliantly.
The biggest conundrum facing Gareth Southgate before the tournament started was who would be Declan Rice’s midfielder.
The Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment failed, Conor Gallagher’s trial lasted 45 minutes.
Mainoo is a progressive central midfielder and the epitome of how football should be played.
Looking at England’s previous three matches at Euro 2024, all of which Mainoo has started, the answer was one that was staring Southgate in the face throughout.
Never fazed, Mainoo exudes the kind of spirit that has largely embodied Southgate’s reign. Courage, bravery – but above all, a whole lot of ability.
Alongside Rice, the Manchester United star should represent the future of England’s midfield – with or without Southgate.
If Southgate leaves, his successor must embrace Mainoo’s potential; let him grow into an international. Give him space to breathe.
If that happens, the national team will reap the benefits for the next ten years.
On May 25, 2024, Mail Sport asked this question after Mainoo’s man of the match performance in the FA Cup final victory over arch-rivals Manchester City.
A true technician, the Man United midfielder is someone England can build around for years to come
‘Will Gareth Southgate hand this exceptionally talented lad from Stockport the keys to his midfield?’, we wondered after watching his impressive performance at Wembley in awe.
We know the answer now. Keep the keys, Kobbie. They’re all yours.