Declan Rice disagrees with Liverpool legend over Kobbie Mainoo & makes strong England prediction
Declan Rice’s perspective diverges from that of Liverpool icon Graeme Souness concerning the inclusion of Kobbie Mainoo in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Mainoo, aged 19, left an indelible mark on his debut season with Manchester United’s senior team. His standout moments included clinching victory with a decisive goal and earning the coveted Man of the Match title in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. This wasn’t the extent of Mainoo’s glory at Wembley; he also garnered the Player of the Match accolade for England during his full debut against Belgium in March.
Mainoo’s knack for shining on grand stages is undeniable. However, Graeme Souness voiced doubts about Mainoo’s readiness for the England squad in discussions about his prospects last month. Souness, a former Liverpool luminary as both player and manager, waved off the notion of Mainoo joining Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. When queried about Mainoo’s suitability for international play, Souness retorted, “Not ready yet… you would say [to] play for England?” He further emphasized the need to prioritize business and dismissed the idea of easing the youngster into tournament football.
In contrast to Souness’s reservations, Gareth Southgate opted to include both Mainoo and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton in the England squad, despite their absence from the squad at the season’s outset. This decision underscores Southgate’s faith in their potential and ability to make an impact at the highest level.
Declan Rice, a mainstay in the England setup, has lent staunch support to these fresh additions. Rice commended Mainoo’s selection, affirming that the young midfielder “undoubtedly earned” his place in the squad bound for Germany. “I believe we witnessed in the last camp against Belgium and Brazil what Kobbie is capable of,” Rice informed journalists. “And throughout the last six months, throughout the entire season actually, his contributions at Man United. He has unquestionably earned his place in the squad.”
Rice also lauded Adam Wharton, acknowledging his stellar performances. “Adam spent the first half of the season in the Championship. He has now moved from Crystal Palace. His performances have been exceptional, and he has made quite an impression during training among many of the players.”
Rice concluded on an optimistic note regarding England’s midfield future with the inclusion of these emerging talents. “So indeed, two fantastic additions, and I perceive a bright future ahead for England’s midfield.”
The contrasting viewpoints of Souness and Rice underscore the differing stances on integrating youth into the national team. While Souness advocates for a cautious approach prioritizing immediate results, Rice and Southgate appear to recognize the importance of nurturing young talent and affording them opportunities to shine on the international stage. This discourse underscores the broader conversation surrounding the balance between experience and youth in assembling a competitive and vibrant national squad.
