In a surprising move, 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has been given the central midfield role for England in their Euro 2024 last-16 match against Slovakia. The Manchester United player had a breakout season and has been chosen by manager Gareth Southgate to replace Conor Gallagher. Meanwhile, Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona has named an unchanged starting 11, with the rest of his team seeking to reach a major tournament quarterfinal for the first time.
Kobbie Mainoo Earns England Call-Up for Euro 2024
In a stunning turn of events, 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has been handed the starting central midfield role for England in their upcoming Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovakia. The Manchester United youngster has enjoyed a breakout season with the Red Devils, earning the recognition of Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate.
Southgate's decision to select Mainoo ahead of seasoned internationals like Conor Gallagher and Kalvin Phillips has sent shockwaves through the English football landscape. The move is seen as a testament to the youngster's exceptional talent and burgeoning potential.
Meanwhile, Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona has opted for continuity, naming an unchanged starting lineup from the team's group stage victories. The Slovaks will be looking to reach the quarterfinals of a major tournament for the first time in their history.
Background on Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo is a product of Manchester United's renowned academy, rising through the ranks with his exceptional passing range, tactical awareness, and tireless work ethic. He made his senior debut for the club in the 2022/23 season and quickly established himself as a regular in the starting lineup.
His impressive performances for United have not only caught the attention of Southgate but also earned him comparisons to legendary midfielders such as Paul Scholes and Xavi Hernandez. Mainoo's ability to dictate the tempo of a game and create chances with pinpoint passes has made him a sought-after talent.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why has Gareth Southgate selected Kobbie Mainoo ahead of more experienced midfielders? Southgate has been impressed by Mainoo's maturity and the way he has adjusted to playing at senior level. The manager believes that Mainoo's technical ability and energy will bring a new dimension to England's midfield.
2. What are Mainoo's strengths and weaknesses? Mainoo is a highly skilled passer with excellent vision and a wide range of passing options. He is also a tireless worker and understands the defensive side of the game. However, his physicality and experience may be potential areas for improvement.
3. How has Mainoo's rise to prominence impacted Manchester United? Mainoo's breakout season has been a major boost for Manchester United, who have been struggling in recent years. His emergence has given the club's fans renewed optimism and hope for the future.
4. What are Slovakia's chances of upsetting England? Slovakia will be underdogs in the match against England, but they have shown in the group stage that they are capable of creating chances and scoring goals. The Slovaks will need to be at their best to overcome a talented English side.
5. What are the long-term prospects for Kobbie Mainoo? Mainoo has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world. He has all the technical and physical attributes to succeed at the highest level. If he continues to develop and fulfill his potential, he could become a key player for both Manchester United and England for many years to come.
Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and former Australian opener Justin Langer pointed out the risky single taken by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli's misjudgment, leading to the former's run-out in the fourth Test match in Melbourne. The run-out had a significant impact on India's performance as they collapsed after Jaiswal's exit. With seasoned off-spinner Nathan Lyon expected to come into play on day three, India will need to put their heads down and build a strong partnership to stay in the game against the dominating Australian side.
During Day 2 of the 4th Test between India and Australia, former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad expressed his disappointment with Rohit Sharma's performance as both a captain and a batsman. Prasad also attributed Rohit's struggle in the series to his lack of form and match practice beforehand. Meanwhile, Steve Smith's century and a 112-run stand with captain Pat Cummins helped Australia maintain a strong lead over India on the second day of the Boxing Day Test match.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar and Sunil Gavaskar discuss Rishabh Pant's mode of dismissal in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy fourth Test against Australia. Manjrekar points out that the wicketkeeper-batter will be questioned if he continues to get out while attempting unconventional shots. Gavaskar lambasts Pant, labeling his dismissal as 'stupid' and criticizing his shot selection. Despite Pant's early dismissal, India managed to cross the 300-run mark on Day 3 thanks to a seventh-wicket partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. Follow Sportskeeda's live updates for the latest news and biddings at the IPL Auction 2025.
India's Nitish Kumar Reddy wowed the world with his extraordinary maiden Test century at the MCG, becoming the third youngest Indian to achieve the feat. After the third day's play, Reddy was welcomed by his emotional family members, including his father who had left his job to support Reddy's cricket journey. The BCCI released a video of the heartwarming reunion, capturing the overwhelming emotions of Reddy's mother, father, and sister. Reddy put up a resilient performance alongside Washington Sundar to rescue India from a precarious position and secure a potential match-saving unbeaten 105.
In a heartwarming gesture, India's Virat Kohli reached out and patted Australia's Steve Smith on the back after the latter scored his 34th Test century during the ongoing Boxing Day Test. This comes just a day after Kohli's heated altercation with Sam Konstas, which resulted in a fine from the International Cricket Council. Kohli's act of sportsmanship serves as an inspiration for all, especially after India suffered a familiar collapse after a crucial run-out on day two.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice hopes their pursuit for trophies will come to fruition in the new year, but knows they will need some help to catch up to Premier League leaders Liverpool. With a six point gap between the two teams and star winger Bukayo Saka out injured, Rice recognizes the importance of other teammates stepping up in his absence. Despite the challenges, Rice remains optimistic about his own performance and the potential for a successful season for Arsenal.
The New Zealand National Cricket Team emerged victorious in their first T20I match against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Despite a strong start by Sri Lanka, New Zealand's strong batting and strategic bowling led them to secure a dominant win, with player Kane Williamson leading the team with a record-breaking performance. Fans eagerly await the next match in the series to see if New Zealand can continue their winning streak.
Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's spectacular maiden Test century on day three of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground not only helped rescue his team from a dangerous position, but also restored a sense of fight and character in the Indian dressing room. Reddy's century, scored from a position as low as number eight, also saw him break the 122-year-old record for the highest Test score by a batter playing at number eight or lower at the MCG. The young cricketer's efforts have earned praise and given a much-needed boost to the Indian team.
Australia's Steve Smith believes that the dramatic run-out of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal late on Day 2 was the turning point in the ongoing Boxing Day Test match. Smith pointed out that the mix-up between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, resulting in Jaiswal's dismissal, shifted the momentum in Australia's favor. India, who were well-positioned at 153/2, suffered a late collapse and ended the day at 164/5, trailing Australia's first-innings total by 310 runs. Smith also praised Jaiswal's aggressive innings and Kohli's measured knock, while highlighting the importance of breaking their partnership.
Amidst growing concerns and criticism, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is facing a crucial phase in his Test career. With only 152 runs in his last 14 innings and a string of low scores in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, questions are being raised about his future in the longest format. As his team secures a dominant win under a new captain, chief selector Ajit Agarkar's arrival in Melbourne suggests tough decisions could be on the horizon for Rohit Sharma. All eyes will be on him in the upcoming innings, as the cricketing world awaits his response.