Declan Rice and Cole Palmer send Kobbie Mainoo message after sensational England performance

England have qualified for the final of Euro 2024 where they will face Spain, following a 2-1 win against the Netherlands in the semi-finals. A controversial Harry Kane penalty and late winner from Ollie Watkins were enough for the Three Lions after falling behind to an early strike from Xavi Simons.

Gareth Southgate’s side have faced criticism throughout the tournament for not performing to the best of their abilities, with draws against Denmark and Slovenia in the group stage followed by a penalty shootout win against Switzerland in the quarter-final. However, England were impressive in the first half against Netherlands, despite going in level at the break.

One England star who came in for particular praise was Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who impressed in central midfield alongside Arsenal star Declan Rice . The 19-year-old was in fine form, racking up some standout statistics along the way. Mainoo had a 100% tackle success rate, won 100% of his duels, completed 100% of his long passes and made two interceptions.

Mainoo has been one of the surprise stars of the tournament for England, starting on the bench for all three group games before coming into the starting lineup for the knockout games against Slovakia, Switzerland and Netherlands. And his teammates were quick to send him messages after the final whistle.

Posting on Instagram, Rice uploaded a picture of him and Mainoo in the dressing room, stating: “back to back finals. 1 to go with the boy @Kobbbie.” Mainoo himself posted a picture of himself and Rice on the field after the game with the caption “1 more”, to which Rice replied “together” and Chelsea star Cole Palmer – who set up the winner for Watkins – wrote “my boy 1 more!!!”

England will be looking to upset the odds by beating Spain in the final, with Luis de la Fuente’s side currently the favourites to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012.