Kobbie Mainoo gives England a different profile of midfield player, manager Gareth Southgate said as he weighs options for Euro 2024 after a 2-2 draw against Belgium at Wembley.
Jude Bellingham struck in stoppage to earn an impressive draw with Belgium after a Youri Tielemans double threatened a smash-and-grab victory for the visitors in an entertaining friendly.
Manchester United's Mainoo, 18, who made his debut as a substitute in England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil last weekend, impressed again in a midfield three with Bellingham and Declan Rice with a performance that earned strong praise.
"He gives us a different profile of midfield player to anything else we've got and we're really pleased," Southgate said. "You can't believe his age. His attributes are there for everybody to see, that ability to receive under pressure and ride challenges, to manipulate the ball in tight areas."
Southgate also singled out Jarrod Bowen and Ivan Toney for praise, and both may have forced their way into England's 23-man squad for the European Championship this summer.
Toney, who started up front in Harry Kane's absence, scored England's first equalizer, converting from a penalty after being brought down following excellent buildup from Mainoo and Bellingham.
Kobbie Mainoo, left, tries to get past Belgium's Amadou Onana during the friendly at Wembley. REUTERS
