Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, England, Manchester United, Euro 2024, Netherlands, Football, Gareth Southgate
Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has broken a record before kicking a ball for England in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
The Three Lions take on the Netherlands in Dortmund looking to book their place in their second consecutive European Championship final.
Although their group stage performances were not particularly easy on the eye, Gareth Southgate's side managed to top Group C.
In doing so, they avoided the widely-acknowledged harder side of the draw, which featured Spain, France, Portugal and Germany among others.
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Instead, England have beaten Slovakia and Switzerland to reach the last four - although neither victory was straightforward and both matches saw the Three Lions need extra time and, against the Swiss, a penalty shootout.
One player who impressed in the two knockout games was Kobbie Mainoo, who started Euro 2024 on the bench but forced his way into the lineup with an encouraging performance as a half-time substitute in the 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
The United wonderkid has kept his place in the side for the Netherlands clash - ensuring that he breaks a record in the process.
Barring a nightmare scenario before kick-off, Mainoo will become the youngest ever England player in European Championship history to play in a semi-final.
He is, of course, not the youngest player in the tournament's history to play in a semi-final, with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal setting that record when he played in Spain's 2-1 win over France on Tuesday.
And the youngest player to represent England in tournament football is Michael Owen, who was 18 years and five months old when he starred for the Three Lions at the 1998 World Cup.
Speaking before the game, Southgate told the media: "We need another step from what we showed in the last game. It's a step up in quality of opponents and we are ready for that.
"The atmosphere in the stadiums has been great this tournament and it's added a different feel and intensity to the games. These occasions are why we are involved in football and we're looking forward to stepping up."
