The Missing Piece in England’s Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo is going to be the captain of England in the future. This is a bold claim, but the way the youngster plays football is as though the ball sticks to his feet. Mainoo has a gift, and it is a rare gift that only comes along once every fifty years in football. His composure is the reason why he is destined to become England’s skipper one day.
When Mainoo was introduced to the England set-up at the age of 18 during the European Championship, many people thought he was too young and would struggle on such a big stage. However, once he was given a starting role, most England fans could see that he was special.
uring the 2024 European Championship, it became clear that Mainoo and Lamine Yamal stood out as the most talented and gifted young players in the tournament, and that could well be the case again at the 2026 World Cup.
At the start of the 2025-26 season, many Manchester United fans thought that Mainoo’s future at the club was uncertain. Rúben Amorim often left him out of the side but continued to insist that Mainoo remained part of his plans. Fans were baffled by this decision, and many initially believed Amorim was right.
However, when he was sacked in January, football supporters wanted to see a manager who could unlock Mainoo’s potential, and Michael Carrick did exactly that. Throughout the period in which he was not playing regularly, Mainoo remained professional and never spoke negatively about the situation. That attitude is one of the reasons why he will be such an important player for England in the years ahead.
Since being unlocked by Carrick, Mainoo has been in tremendous form and has earned his place in the England team. He should start alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
Mainoo is a natural ball player who carries possession better than either Rice or Bellingham. His style resembles that of Clarence Seedorf, particularly in the way he controlled midfield, carried the ball forward and played progressive football.
If England progresses deep into this tournament, Mainoo could be a strong contender for the Young Player of the Tournament award. Should that happen, his value could rise significantly, transforming him from an academy graduate into a player valued at around £120 million.
