With a 1-0 victory over Serbia in their first group match on Sunday night, England is off to a great start at the European Championship this summer.
Kobbie Mainoo’s dad was in attendance to watch his son make his competitive debut for England in their 1-0 victory over Serbia.
Three Manchester United players were included in Gareth Southgate’s initial provisional 33-man squad; but, due to Harry Maguire’s ιnjury, which also prevented him from playing until the end of the club season, only Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw were included in the final 26-man roster.
Both players were included in the Serbia matchday roster, with Shaw making his long-awaited comeback to the bench after more than four months out. After Jude Bellingham’s header in the first half gave the Three Lions all three points, Mainoo, a 19-year-old substitute, staged a late comeback to help his team win the match.
With England playing Denmark and Slovenia in their next group round matches, Mainoo will be hoping to contribute more. Shaw may or may not play in those games, but Southgate will surely benefit from having him in the team.
Erik ten Hag appeared to have some inside knowledge about Shaw’s fitness when he spoke before the match, indicating that he won’t be ready for selection until England advances beyond the group stage.
