Frank Lampard heaps praises on Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo and Man City transfer target for their performances on England debut

Frank Lampard reckons Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo and Manchester City transfer target Adam Wharton's performances on England debut earned them the Euro 2024 call-ups. The duo are set to feature for the Three Lions at the UEFA Euro 2024 this month.

Mainoo has been stellar for the Red Devils this season, registering five goals and three assists in 35 games across competitions. He recently won the FA Cup Player of the Season award. The 19-year-old made his England debut in an international friendly against Brazil in March and also played 74 minutes against Belgium.

Wharton, meanwhile, has been impressive for Crystal Palace. The 20-year-old made his international debut against Bosnia in June. Lampard reckons Mainoo and Wharton secured their spots in the Euros with their performances in those international fixtures. He told talkSPORT (via The Boot Room):

"I think both on their debuts made outstanding performances. Having played for England and remembering my early days, you know the feeling of nerves sometimes, I am meant to be here and settling into a team, and going on playing at Wembley and playing high-level games, it's a real step-up."

Lampard added:

"So to perform like they both have done and show that level, I mean, that's why Gareth would have picked them."

Mainoo started becoming a Manchester United mainstay earlier in the 2023-24 season. He has been a key player for the Red Devils and will now represent England at the Euros.

Wharton has been thoroughly impressive for Crystal Palace. He registered three assists in 16 PL appearances since making his move to Palace in the January transfer window. Both players have certainly shown enough quality to be picked.

Stuart Pearce backs Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to be the Euro 2024 star

Stuart Pearce has backed Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo to be the unexpected star of Euro 2024. Pearce even compared Mainoo to Paul Gascoigne. He told BoyleSports (via GOAL):

"Kobbie Mainoo could end up being England's unexpected star player at Euro 2024, which often happens in these major tournaments. In my time we had the likes of Des Walker and David Platt who enhanced their reputations, even Paul Gascoigne."

Pearce also suggested that Mainoo should partner Declan Rice in the middle of the park. He thinks Jude Bellingham should play behind Harry Kane, with Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka on the wings.

England have a spectacular squad. Youngsters like Mainoo enhance the strength of the squad. Gareth Southgate's men will look to improve on their final appearance at Euro 2020 in this year's tournament.