Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo insists England have to prove themselves after their miserable defeat to Iceland. The Three Lions slumped to less than inspiring 1-0 defeat at Wembley on Friday night. Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s fine strike was enough for the visitors. England will now head to Euros in Germany off back of defeat.
They are in the midst of tricky run of form. With just one win in five heading into next week’s tournament, fans were less than pleased. Some even booed Gareth Southgate’s men off the pitch. Mainoo 19, was granted his third cap for the side during the game.
The Man United midfielder believes England now have plenty to prove to supporters. Asked if the defeat to Iceland had impacted the atmosphere in the dressing room he responded: “Not at all!
“We know the quality we have in the changing room. And now we just have to show the fans we’re good enough. And we can compete in Germany. I think going into tournament after loss can be a good thing. We’ve got point to prove now to ourselves really. Because we know we’re better than that. And we play a lot better football”
“It was humbling and we have to come together now. We’ve got a chip on our shoulder. We have to come together and have motivation now to go into that first game. Prove point.
I think so if we’re not winning we’re learning. Any chance to learn is good opportunity and better now than in nine days.”
Mainoo Aims for Starting Berth Despite Criticism
Mainoo will hope to have done enough against Iceland to earn starting berth at the Euros. The Man United starlet has been named in the Three Lions squad for tournament after an impressive breakout season.
However former Liverpool star Graeme Souness has claimed that the youngster is not ready to be in squad. “You’ve got young boy Mainoo coming through,” ex-Crystal Palace Simon Jordan asked his podcast co-host. Souness took little time. He responded and said: “Not ready yet… you would say [to] play for England?”
England kick off their Euros campaign next Sunday against Serbia. They then take on Denmark and Slovenia. In their following two group games, they will certainly hope to do enough to secure spot in knockout rounds.
