Ivan Toney has made a bold prediction regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s future.
Jude Bellingham netted a stoppage-time equaliser on Tuesday to see an injury-plagued England claim a 2-2 draw against Belgium.
A series of injuries to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Kyle Walker ahead of the game provided opportunities for the likes of Toney, Mainoo, and Ezri Konsa to make their first England starts.
And the trio impressed, with Toney netting his first ever Three Lions goal courtesy of a first-half penalty, and Mainoo being awarded the Player of the Match award for his assured midfield performance alongside Bellingham and Declan Rice.
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After the game Toney spoke highly of Mainoo, insisting the Manchester United star, who’s still only 18, would go “right to the top” of the game.
“I think at 18 I was probably playing Xbox,” Toney told Sky Sports. “But he’s out here being a man and playing for England.
“He carries himself very well, he glides with the ball and there’s a lot more to come from him, I’m sure he’ll go right to the top.”
England boss Gareth Southgate was also, full of praise for the teenager’s display after the game.
Speaking to beIN Sports on Mainoo, the Three Lions boss said: “Just that he has had a fabulous week with us.
“Everything that we’ve seen with his club, he reproduced in an England shirt which isn’t always the case. Very calm, receives the ball so well under pressure, strong, so we are a little bit more open playing that way but the benefits with the ball were clear to see.
“Talking to him tactically, he seems able to take all those concepts on. A lot of young players now, with their academy education, are able to do that. You can see his comfort with the ball and receiving in tight areas.”
England have two friendlies remaining against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland in June before they take head to the European Championships in Germany.
Topics: England, Ivan Toney, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United
Chris Byfield