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4 months ago
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Wayne Rooney has tipped Kobbie Mainoo to score a sensational winning goal for England when they face Spain in the Euro 2024 final tomorrow evening.
The Three Lions will look to clinch their first senior men's trophy since 1966 in Berlin and midfield sensation Mainoo is certain to keep his spot in the starting XI.
Mainoo, 19, only made his debut for his country in March but was included in Gareth Southgate's squad after catching the eye at club level for Manchester United.
After beginning the tournament as an impact substitute behind the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher, he was promoted to a regular role alongside Declan Rice in a double pivot and has impressed supporters and pundits alike.
He is still to score his maiden goal for England but has experience netting in big games, having found the target as United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Wayne Rooney has tipped Kobbie Mainoo to score a winner for England in the Euro 2024 final
Wonderkid Mainoo (left) is certain to keep his spot in the Three Lions' starting XI in Berlin
Rooney believes Mainoo could have a similar impact on the biggest of all stages.
'I just have a feeling about Mainoo,' Rooney told The Times. 'That he is going to score and prove decisive.
'If you think of him in the tournament, he has got into good positions going forward and I think Spain will do their homework and close off space for Harry Kane, [Phil] Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
'But that will leave space for a midfielder arriving late, and that Mainoo will get one from a cut-back.'
Rooney also heaped praise on Southgate for promoting the wonderkid, pointing to Mainoo's crucial role in United's victory over their city rivals at Wembley in May.
Rooney believes Mainoo could score from a cut-back and be decisive for his country
Mainoo netted for Manchester United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City
Gareth Southgate deserves credit for promoting Mainoo so quickly, Rooney has insisted
'It was Mainoo who did it and then, when Manchester United had the ball, ran off Rodri and scored,' Rooney added. 'He was man of the match.'
The Three Lions have now departed their camp in Blankenhain and were treated to a heroes' send-off by staff at the luxury Weimarer Land Spa & Golf Resort.
Ahead of the final, boss Southgate, who faces an uncertain future after the tournament, admitted he wanted to win the trophy 'so much it hurts'.
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