Kobbie Mainoo becomes England’s youngest star to play in a major championships semi-final

England secured their place in the final of the European Championships on Wednesday by beating the Netherlands 2-1 in Dortmund.

A last-gasp winner by Ollie Watkins and a controversial Harry Kane penalty was enough to complete the comeback after Xavi Simons had fired the Dutch ahead in the early moments of the game.

The memorable triumph meant the Three Lions made it into back-to-back Euro finals and set up a mouthwatering showdown against tournament favourites Spain on Sunday.

Watkins grabbed the headlines but it was Manchester United man Kobbie Mainoo who was the star of the show for the Gareth Southgate’s side.

Mainoo produced yet another mature display beyond his years in the middle of the park and in doing so set a new record for his national side.

As reported by The Sun, at 19 years and 82 days old, Mainoo became the youngest player to represent England in a semi-final of a major tournament and he looked completely at ease throughout the 90 minutes.

The United man was applauded by England fans after the full-time whistle who recognised his excellence.

Mainoo covered every blade of grass in the Westfalenstadion, breaking down countless Dutch attacks while dictating the tempo of the game.

The composed display did not come as a surprise to United fans who have taken the young man to their hearts over the course of last season.

Since breaking into the first-team after recovering from injury midway through the campaign, the academy product has been a beacon of light in what was ultimately a poor season for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Mainoo is now showcasing his talents on the international stage and will surely start in the showpiece occasion against Spain at the weekend.

A win would cap an incredible year for the midfielder who had also scored the winner in the FA Cup final just over a month ago for his boyhood club.

United fans will be desperate to welcome back one of their own to Old Trafford for the new season and will look forward to him continuing his development under Ten Hag.

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