Kobbie Mainoo reveals advice from his parents ahead of England and Slovakia showdown - 'Always said'

Kobbie Mainoo has opened up on advice from his parents ahead of England's Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia

ITV
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 30/06/2024

- 15:35

The Manchester United star is expected to start the Euro 2024 clash

Kobbie Mainoo has revealed his parents have always told him to 'grab a chance with both hands' as the England star prepares to start against Slovakia on Sunday.

The Manchester United star is poised to come in for Conor Gallagher, with the Chelsea midfielder toiling in the 0-0 draw with Slovenia last time out.


Mainoo impressed for the Red Devils last term and helped the club win the FA Cup, scoring in the 2-1 victory over Manchester City.

England have been dire out in Germany so far, with pressure rising on Gareth Southgate and his star-studded squad.

By picking Mainoo, Southgate is hopeful England will finally hit top gear.

And the United star has now revealed how advice from his parents has helped shape him into the composed, mature player he is today.

“Yes, probably,” Mainoo told ITV Sport when asked if the match was the biggest of his career so far.

“Do I relish it? Yes, that is what you play football for, the big occasions.

"You don’t win anything big unless you play in the big occasions.

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“I feel I want to be a great player and great players are made in those big occasions so I have to do my best whenever they come about.

“Whenever I get a chance to play I try and give it 100 per cent every time, that is what my dad always said to me, my parents always said to grab a chance with both hands.

"I have to do my best whenever they come about."

Mainoo is blessed with a football intelligence that not every player has.

He is able to surge forward and defend diligently, traits that make him one of England's most exciting prospects.

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu shows support for England football team ahead of blockbuster Slovakia Euro 2024 clash

When asked about his ability, Mainoo said: "I feel like I've always played like that since I was young.

"You know, I like to have the ball, and I always like to do tricks and stuff.

"So, yeah, I feel like I've grown up playing that way.

"I think my place in the [England] team is to get on the ball and to link play.

"Try and create things for the attackers and create opportunities for the team."

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Kobbie Mainoo England Slovakia

Kobbie Mainoo is set to start when England face Slovakia at Euro 2024

PA

Mainoo is expected to be the only change England make for their clash with Slovakia.

Jordan Pickford will start in goal, with the Everton star hoping to keep a third clean sheet of the tournament.

Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier will likely make up England's back four.

Conor Gallagher

England will drop Conor Gallagher to accomodate Kobbie Mainoo in today's Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia

PA

In midfield, Mainoo is poised to slot next to Declan Rice - with Jude Bellingham deployed as their No 10.

And the Three Lions will look to down Slovakia with a front three consisting of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Phil Foden.

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