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England booked their place within the Euro 2024 last on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands.
Whereas the Dutch received the match off to a fiery begin, with Xavi Simmons handing them a seventh-minute lead courtesy of a chic aim from distance, it was quickly England who managed proceedings.
Within the 18th minute, Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have fouled Harry Kane, handing England a penalty. Kane coolly slotted the ball into the underside left nook out of the keeper’s attain to degree the scoreline.
England dominated possession for the rest of the half, with Phil Foden hitting the publish and each Foden and Kane coming near scoring with pictures from distance that pressured a save from the keeper. Dumfries handed the Netherlands their greatest scoring probability when his header from a nook struck the crossbar.
For a lot of the second half, it was a tedious sport of soccer, with neither aspect displaying a lot aggression or intent to threaten the opposite’s goalmouth. Nonetheless, it was England who got here up with the products.
In what has develop into the norm all through the event, England produced a late aim when substitute Ollie Watkins hit a sensational low shot throughout the face of aim in the direction of the far-post, sealing the win for the Three Lions. However whereas he could have grabbed the headlines, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo proved to be England’s core midfielder who really held the staff collectively.
Taking a look at his physicality, Mainoo was on the high of his sport, successful all three of his floor duels on the evening. This included a strong deal with on Cody Gakpo excessive up the sector which {the teenager} adopted up from with a shot that was finally blocked.
Nonetheless, his defensive efforts didn’t finish there. Man United’s rising star accomplished two tackles and made two interceptions, proving how efficient he’s when monitoring again in help of his defence.
With the ball at his toes, Mainoo may do little improper. He made 51 touches and accomplished 36 of his 42 passes whereas additionally finishing each of his lengthy ball makes an attempt. As well as, he made one key move.
All in all, it was one other spectacular show from Mainoo, who as soon as once more proved why he’s deserving of a spot in Gareth Southgate’s beginning XI.
Ought to he proceed to carry out at this degree, each England and United can relaxation assured that they’ll have a dependable central midfielder who can dictate the circulate of play and information his staff to victory.
England followers will little question be excited to see what Mainoo can in opposition to Spain within the Euro 2024 last, whereas United followers will probably be desirous to see how the teenager copes on considered one of soccer’s greatest levels.
(Stats through Sofascore)
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