England travel to Euro 2024 final written by Mathew Cohen Kobbie Mainoo performs flawlessly. 07.10.2024

England defeated the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday night, therefore securing their spot in the Euro 2024 final.

Although the Dutch started the game fiercely and Xavi Simmons gave them a seventh-minute lead from distance, it was soon England who dominated events.

Denzel Dumfries was deemed in the 18th minute to have fouled Harry Kane, so costing England a penalty. To tie the score, Kane gently slanted the ball into the bottom left corner outside the reach of the goalie.

For the rest of the half, England controlled possession; Phil Foden struck the post and both Foden and Kane came close to scoring with long efforts from distance that forced a keeper save. With his header from a corner striking the crossbar, Dumfries gave the Netherlands their best scoring opportunity.

It was a tiresome game of football for most of the second half, with neither team displaying any aggression or intention to compromise the goal mouth of the other. Still, England was the one who invented the goods.

England scored a late goal when substitute Ollie Watkins struck a fantastic low shot across the face of goal into the far-post, therefore guaranteeing the Three Lions’ victory in what has become the standard throughout the tournament. Though he might have taken front stage, Manchester United player Kobbie Mainoo proved to be England’s central midfielder who kept the team together.

Mаinоо wаs аt the tоp оf his gаme physicаlly, winning аll three оf his grоund duels оn thаt evening. This included а strоng аttаck оn Cоdy Gаkpо well up the field frоm which the yоung mаn fоllоwed up with а shоt thаt wаs finаlly stоpped.

Still, his defensive actions were not limited. Rising star Man United proved his effectiveness tracking back in support of his defense by completing two tackles and two interceptions.

Mainoo could hardly have done wrong with the ball at his feet. Along with completing both of his long ball efforts, he made 51 touches and completed 36 of his 42 passes. Besides, he made one crucial pass.

All things considered, Mainoo once more shown why he is deserving of a place in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI.

Should he keep playing at this level, both England and United may relax knowing that they will have a consistent center midfielder who can control play and lead his team toward success.

While United supporters will be keen to watch how the young player does on one of football’s biggest venues, England supporters will surely be delighted to witness what Mainoo can versus Spain in the Euro 2024 final.