England opened their Nations League campaign in fine fashion with a convincing 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Declan Rice was the star of the show, bagging a goal and an assist. Jack Grealish was likewise impressive as he netted the other goal.
Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo also started the game, and the latter had several good moments.
The Red Devils graduate started in a deeper midfield role against Ireland. He had 86 touches with a 92 percent passing accuracy.
Mainoo provided six passes into the final third, with one of those leading to Grealish’s goal. He also made five recoveries during the game.
The youngster was booked for a late challenge on Chiedozie Ogbene in the first half, but it was another solid showing in the centre of the park. Here is how the national media reacted:
- “Part of an England midfield that completely ran the game and enjoyed partnering Rice in the centre. Booked in the first half for a foul on Chiedozie Ogbene.” – The Telegraph.
- “Slotted in well alongside Rice with a couple of tidy turns and runs forward from midfield. England were countered on a couple of times, so the balance may need to be addressed against stronger opposition, but this was a confident showing” – The Independent.
- “A little casual early on, but some of his passing between the lines was excellent. Booked.” – Standard Sport.
- “Booked for a late challenge on Ogbene but looked assured in his deeper central role and gave England a secure platform to attack from.” – The Guardian.
Mainoo has established himself as an undisputed starter for club and country. The teenager has shown exceptional maturity for his age and should only get better with experience.
England will be back in action against Finland at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night. Mainoo will most certainly start in the heart of the midfield alongside Rice.
Hopefully, he can carry on the good form before reporting for United duty. The Red Devils are already in a must-win situation on the back of successive league losses.
The club are four points adrift of the top four after just three games and must return to winning ways when they visit Southampton on September 14.
Stats from Fotmob.com.
