Jude Bellingham names the England youngster set for 'amazing future'
Jude Bellingham praised the performance of Kobbie Mainoo in England's draw with Belgium but insisted he doesn't want to put more pressure on the youngster at such a tender age.
Thanks to his stunning form at club level with Manchester United, 18-year-old Mainoo earned a late call-up to the England senior squad for the March international break. Having made his debut as a substitute in the defeat to Brazil, Mainoo was afforded his first ever Three Lions start in the 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday.
The youngster didn't disappoint, earning a player of the match award for his stunning performance at Wembley Stadium.
Speaking to the press after the game, England and Real Madrid superstar Bellingham discussed his positive first impressions of Mainoo but urged fans not to expect too much from the youngster too soon.
«He was good tonight,» he said. «It's difficult, and I am speaking like the old head here, but I know how hard it can be when there's a clamour and people put a lot of pressure on you.
»So I don't want to add fuel to the fire, but he's definitely a brilliant player and he's going to have an amazing future at Manchester United and hopefully for England as well."
Mainoo will be hoping he's done enough to earn a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad ahead this summer's tournament. With question marks over who should partner Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield, the 18-year-old may have forced his way into contention this March.
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