‘I know how hard it can be under that pressure’ says Jude Bellingham as he praises ‘brilliant’ Man Utd ace Kobbie Mainoo
JUDE BELLINGHAM has heaped praise on Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo, 18, made his first England start alongside Bellingham and Co at Wembley last night.
The Man Utd wonderkid scooped the player of the match award for his composed performance in the 2-2 draw with Belgium.
After the match, during which he scored a last-gasp leveller, Bellingham was full of kind words for his new Three Lions team-mate.
The Real Madrid star said: “Kobbie Mainoo is very good.
“I know how hard it can be when there’s a clamour and people put a lot of pressure on you… but he’s definitely a brilliant player.
“He’s going to have an amazing future at Man United and hopefully for England as well.”
In addition to Mainoo, Ivan Toney and Ezri Konsa also made their first England starts in the clash with Belgium.
On the Three Lions’ new boys, Bellingham, 20, added: “I’m sure the manager’s glad with the players that you got to see because they came in and they were brilliant.
“So yeah, over the two games, I’m pleased with my team-mates, of course, never happy to lose and draw but we’ve got to be pleased with how some of them played.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER
“We trust everyone that comes into the squad.
“They’re all in the squad for a reason because they’re good players so we trust everyone that comes in.”
Southgate, who called Mainoo up after doubts over Jordan Henderson‘s fitness emerged, said of the midfielder: “Kobbie from a creative aspect gave us something different.
“His attributes are there for everybody to see, to receive under pressure, ride challenges manipulate the ball in tight areas.
“We are very happy with what he’s done – you can’t believe how young he is.”