Euro 2024: Kobbie Mainoo Becomes Third Youngest Ever England Player to Start a Knockout Stage Match

• Manchester United midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, earned a call-up with the England team after an impressive debut season
• The teenage sensation partnered with Arsenal star Declan Rice in midfield during their Euro 2024 knockout clash against Slovakia
• The Sunday, June 30, cracker ended in a 2-1 win for the Three Lions, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scoring for Gareth Southgate's side

Manchester United youngster, Kobbie Mainoo, has inked his name in history books after featuring in England's last-16 Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia.

Gareth Southgate named a strong team for the Sunday, June 30, cracker staged at Arena AufSchalke.

Kyle Walker, Jordan Pickford, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane were among the regulars who were in the starting XI.

Bellingham surpasses legends Ronaldo and Owen's record at Euro 2024

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However, Southgate also tweaked his team to accommodate Mainoo, who partnered Declan Rice in the midfield.

The youngster has been quite involved in the tournament since earning a much-deserved call-up to the senior team.

While he had previously featured in England's matches, this was the midfielder's first start for the team at the tournament.

Mainoo makes history

Southgate's decision to start Mainoo saw the teenage sensation make history.

According to stats outlet OptaJoe, at 19 years and 72 days, the United academy product is now the third youngest-ever player to start a knockout stage game for England at a major tournament.

Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are the other two players, who hold the same record.

Owen, however, remains the youngest player to achieve the feat. The legendary striker made history during the 1998 World Cup when he played against Argentina in a knockout clash aged 18 years and 198 days.

Euro 2024: Kobbie Mainoo's England debut ends with heartwarming time with charming sisters

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Meanwhile, England left it late against Slovakia during the Round of 16 clash to book a place in the quarters.

According to the BBC, Jude Bellingham was the man of the moment, with the Real Madrid ace netting a brilliant bicycle kick to equalise for the Three Lions in the 95th minute.

Kane struck moments later to help England set up a crunch clash against Switzerland in the last eight.

Mainoo backs Bellingham for Ballon d'Or

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Mainoo suggesting that his England teammate Jude Bellingham deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.

Bellingham has been impressive since his move to Real Madrid, helping the club win the La Liga and the Champions League.