"He is going to score and prove decisive" - Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney makes bold claim about England midfielder in Euro 2024 final

Manchester United and England legend, Wayne Rooney has hailed Kobbie Mainoo's performances at Euro 2024 for the Three Lions. The 19-year-old midfielder has established himself as a key part of the squad. He's helped his side to the final, where they will take on Spain on Sunday, July 14.

In his column for The Times about Mainoo, Rooney wrote:

"I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final," he said in his column for The Times. "That he is going to score and prove decisive. If you think of him in the tournament, he has got into good positions going forward and I think Spain will do their homework and close off space for Harry Kane, Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham."

The Manchester United legend continued:

"But that will leave space for a midfielder arriving late, and that Mainoo will get one from a cut-back."

"His maturity is so impressive.The other youngsters — Williams, Yamal, Bellingham, Foden — all play in attacking positions whereas Mainoo, at 19, is excelling in one that requires enormous discipline and game understanding."

The England legend concluded:

"Williams will also, very soon, surely be regarded as one of the world’s best. We need players to replace Lionel Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] at the top of the tree and Williams, Mainoo, Foden, Bellingham, Yamal — alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland — are the ones you hope and expect to go and do that."

England face Spain in the final of Euro 2024, where they hope Mainoo can help them to glory for the first time in 58 years. If he starts the game, he will be the youngest player to represent the Three Lions in the final of a major tournament.

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England boss hails Manchester United midfielder ahead of Euro 2024 final

England manager Gareth Southgate has praised Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo following his performances for the Three Lions at Euro 2024. The 19-year-old has shown impressive maturity and control during his appearances for his country. He has helped them to another European Championship final.

Southgate said about the Red Devils starlet in a recent interview (via Sport Bible):

"I think all of his performances have been exceptional, especially when you consider his age. We haven’t really had a player like him until now.

"It makes such a difference when your midfield players can receive [the ball] pressed and turn with the ball so easily and comfortably. It looks simple when he does it, but it isn’t simple."

The England boss concluded, saying:

"But I thought him and Phil popping up in spaces, Jude [Bellingham]… our movement was really good. That caused a lot of problems and forced them to adapt how they were without the ball."

The Three Lions will hope the Manchester United midfielder can continue impressing and help them to glory in Berlin tomorrow. The English national team is in their second consecutive final at the European championship after losing against Italy on penalties last time out. They hope to end their 58-year wait for a trophy with success at Euro 2024 on Sunday.