Kobbie Mainoo played for England against Ic (Image: Getty)
Kobbie Mainoo has insisted that England’s squad morale remains high despite the players being booed off the field by home fans after the defeat to Iceland. In what proved a deflating send-off for the Three Lions at Wembley, tthey were beaten 1-0 by a side ranked No.72 in the world, with Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s early goal proving the difference.
The final whistle was greeted with jeers by supporters, and prompted memories of England’s humiliating Euro 2016 exit at the hands of the same opponents.
But the Manchester United midfielder, who emerged as a key first team player for Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 campaign, was defiant in the aftermath of the defeat, and refuted suggestions from reporters that the boos would affect the atmosphere in the England camp. “Not at all,” he hit back.
“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 a tournament after a loss can be a good thing.”
Indeed, Mainoo claimed that the result would serve as extra motivation for players ahead of their opening Euro 2024 clash with Serbia on Sunday, June 14. “We’ve got a point to prove now to ourselves really because we know we’re better than that and play a lot better football,” he said.
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Mainoo won just his third cap on Friday night. (Image: Getty)
“It was humbling and we have to come together now. We’ve got a chip on our shoulder and have to come together and have the motivation now to go into that first game and prove a point. I think so if we’re not winning we’re learning. Any chance to learn is a good opportunity and better now than in nine days.”
Alexander-Arnold, 25, has been handed the No.8 shirt for the tournament. Mainoo meanwhile, will wear the No.26 jersey, which is seemingly an indicator he will be mainly deployed as a substitute in Germany.
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Mainoo proved a revelation at club level in the 2023/24 season, despite not making his Premier League bow until the 3-0 win over Everton on November 26.
The youngster was handed the man of the match award, and went on to deliver a scoring display as the Red Devils beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 in last month’s FA Cup final.
His displays led to him being nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award. He ultimately missed out on the honour to Cole Palmer, who has also been included in the England squad for the Euros.
