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England booked their place within the Euro 2024 ultimate on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands.
Whereas the Dutch obtained the match off to a fiery begin, with Xavi Simmons handing them a seventh-minute lead courtesy of a elegant purpose 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 photographs 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 many of the second half, it was a tedious recreation of soccer, with neither facet 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 turn out to be the norm all through the event, England produced a late purpose when substitute Ollie Watkins hit a sensational low shot throughout the face of purpose in direction of the far-post, sealing the win for the Three Lions. However whereas he might have grabbed the headlines, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo proved to be England’s core midfielder who actually held the workforce collectively.
Taking a look at his physicality, Mainoo was on the prime of his recreation, successful all three of his floor duels on the evening. This included a stable deal with on Cody Gakpo excessive up the sphere 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 might do little incorrect. 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 cross.
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 move of play and information his workforce to victory.
England followers will little doubt be excited to see what Mainoo can in opposition to Spain within the Euro 2024 ultimate, whereas United followers can be wanting to see how the teen copes on certainly one of soccer’s greatest levels.
(Stats through Sofascore)
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