Gary Lineker's reaction to Kobbie Mainoo's first England start goes viral

Gary Lineker’s reaction to Kobbie Mainoo’s first England start has gone viral.

Jude Bellingham scored a stoppage-time equaliser to see England claim a 2-2 draw against Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.

With the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker all absent through injury and John Stones forced off limping in the first half, the friendly provided Southgate the chance to provide first starts for Ivan Toney, Ezri Konsa and Mainoo, with the latter particularly impressing.

Mainoo, still only 18, played 75 minutes in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Bellingham, and put in a measured and composed display that saw him named player of the match.

And with just two friendlies remaining before England kick-off their Euro 2024 campaign in Germany, Lineker said on X that Mainoo may have played himself into the starting line-up for the Three Lions’ opening game against Serbia.

As Mainoo was substituted for James Maddison in the second half, Lineker said: “A superb first start by Kobbie Mainoo for England.

“He’s not only played himself into the squad for the Euros but quite possibly the starting lineup. Well played young man.”

After the Belgium draw, Southgate was also full of praise for Mainoo’s display.

A superb first start by Kobbie Mainoo for @England. He’s not only played himself into the squad for the Euros but quite possibly the starting lineup. Well played young man. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 26, 2024

On the United teenager, Southgate said: "Kobbie's attributes are there for everyone to see. The ability to receive under pressure and ride challenges, to manipulate the ball in tight areas.

"We were a little bit more open, there's no doubt about that. We wanted to press aggressively, and there were times we turned the ball over on the edge of their box when we had chances we should have taken.

"We had problems in other ways with their players pulling wide and leaving [Romelu] Lukaku one-on-one. He gives us a different profile in midfield to anything we've got, he's adapted and adjusted brilliantly.

"You can't believe his age really, that he's taken everything in his stride as he has."