Kobbie Mainoo was the standout performer in the first half of England’s game against Switzerland, despite the teams going goalless. Mainoo’s presence in England’s midfield was felt as he completed 100% of his passes and also completed 100% of his tackles.

Kobbie Mainoo praised after performance against Switzerland

At half-time, Rio Ferdinand praised the 19-year-old: “He doesn’t look like a teenager. He looks like a schoolboy. It’s like he’s saying ‘do this. Give me the ball and I’ll distribute it here and there’.

Mainoo plays with maturity beyond his years. Mainoo makes the right decisions often. He has the composure needed.

“What I like is the way he switches positions with Phil Foden. Sometimes he’s a No 10 and then he’s a No 6 or an No 8. And he’s very comfortable in those positions. I like the relationship he built in the first 45 minutes with Phil Foden.”

Legendary Gary Lineker agreed: “We saw an impressive performance in the first half. Of course you can mention Saka and Bellingham. But Kobbie Mainoo, he only turned 19 two months ago. He is the second youngest player to play in the quarter-finals for England. The other is Wayne Rooney.”

Frank Lampard commented: “We said before the game that England were a bit rigid, a bit passive in their positions. The system gives them balance, but within that Mainoo still knows how to create mobility by interchanging with Phil Foden.”