Ivan Toney agrees with Ollie Watkins’ “unbelievable” point about Kobbie Mainoo

Ivan Toney has agreed with Ollie Watkins’s recent comments about Manchester United’s academy graduate and England starlet Kobbie Mainoo.

England have advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2024 European Championships following a narrow 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, scored on either side of the 90-minute mark, secured England’s spot in the next round, where they will face Switzerland in the final eight.

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Despite facing criticism for their performances, many England players saw one standout in Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, who was exceptional in his first competitive start for his country.

Mainoo has carried his fantastic club form onto the international stage, taking just a few games to prove to Gareth Southgate that, despite his relatively young age of 19, he is invaluable to any squad he is part of.

Speaking last week, Ollie Watkins was full of praise for Mainoo, pointing out that his maturity and midfield quality cannot be ignored.

“Yeah, very mature. He doesn’t act his age. He’s very mature on and off the pitch. Again, unbelievable English talent,” Watkins told ITV.

“Got the world at his feet. I can’t speak more highly of him. He’s athletic and the composure on the ball, to take the ball and receive it in tight areas as a midfielder.

“It’s, you know, I think that sets you apart, especially for the way we want to play. He is so comfortable on the ball. You can see why he’s so comfortable on the ball.

“You can see why he has been called into the squad because he has done it in his breakout season this year.”

Watkins’ point about Mainoo’s qualities is something that fellow England frontman Ivan Toney agrees with. Speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon, Toney praised United’s 19-year-old academy graduate star.

“Everybody knows his qualities. For club football, he’s played a massive part of the season. He carries himself so well on the pitch. He doesn’t one bit look out of place and has a bright future ahead of him.”

Mainoo is expected to start for England in their quarter-final tie on Saturday afternoon against Switzerland following his fantastic outing against Slovakia.

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