Mainoo Reacts to Rooney’s Recommendation Amid Bellingham Highlight
Kobbie Mainoo has addressed Wayne Rooney’s recent comments suggesting he should be in England’s starting lineup for Euro 2024.
The Manchester United midfielder made an appearance as a substitute during England’s Group C match against Serbia on Sunday evening. Jude Bellingham netted the sole goal, securing a 1-0 victory for Gareth Southgate’s squad in Gelsenkirchen.
Wayne Rooney, a former United captain, expressed his opinion that Mainoo deserves a starting spot in Southgate’s team for the tournament in Germany. The England legend also mentioned that Trent Alexander-Arnold might struggle defensively against stronger opponents as the competition advances.
“No. I have watched Trent play in midfield a few times and I think you lose a lot of his qualities. His delivery is obviously incredible and of course he can pick passes from midfield, but I think he has to fight it out [with Walker for the right-back spot],” Rooney said on The Overlap.
“I know Kyle is the best right-back in the world at the minute but I think midfield is such an important position. I would play Mainoo before Trent in midfield, 100%.
“It’s not that Trent can’t play there, we saw him do it recently against Everton and some of the passes he was hitting were unbelievable. It’s probably only Becks [ David Beckham ] who beats him in that area. But I think to play in midfield, you need that discipline, especially when you come up against the bigger teams, and he might get found out a little bit.”
In response to Rooney’s remarks, Mainoo addressed the media at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, affirming his readiness to participate in England’s game against Denmark on Thursday.
“I’m ready to play, whether that’s off the bench or starting,” the 19-year-old said. “Obviously, there’s other great midfielders in the squad in the Premier League or abroad like Jude [Bellingham]. I’m trying to train hard and be ready when I’m called upon.”
