Dortmund: In a stunning display of talent, Spain's Lamine Yamal propelled his team into the Euro 2024 final, while England had their own rising star, Kobbie Mainoo, to thank for securing their place in the Berlin showdown on Sunday.

Mainoo, just 19 years old, played a pivotal role in England's journey to their second consecutive Euros final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Dortmund. His performance in midfield was instrumental as the Three Lions delivered their most impressive showing of the summer in Germany.

England, aiming for their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, had struggled to find form earlier in the tournament but found a key asset in Manchester United midfielder Mainoo. Making his Premier League debut at just 17 in January 2023, Mainoo came into his own during the 2023-24 season.

Mainoo's emergence as a vital player for England came unexpectedly, initially starting as the third-choice midfielder. However, after tactical adjustments by coach Gareth Southgate during the group stage, Mainoo was given the opportunity to shine against Slovenia and Switzerland before making a significant impact against the Dutch.

Southgate praised Mainoo's exceptional performances, highlighting his ability to handle pressure and his technical prowess on the ball, influenced by his background in futsal. The midfielder's adeptness in receiving and turning with the ball contributed significantly to England's dominance, particularly evident in their control of possession against the Dutch.

Against the Netherlands, Mainoo's relentless pressure and strategic play forced errors from the opposition, ultimately shaping the outcome of the match. While the Netherlands initially took the lead through Xavi Simons, Harry Kane's equalising penalty shifted momentum in England's favour. Mainoo's midfield dominance prevented the Dutch from regaining control, culminating in Ollie Watkins' late winner that spared England from extra-time.

Southgate acknowledged the significance of England's possession-based approach, noting their modern style and the resilience of the squad. Mainoo's rapid rise to prominence has impressed teammates and observers alike, with Luke Shaw describing his development as "scary" and highlighting his potential to reach great heights in the sport.

Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Mainoo faces a daunting challenge against midfield stars like Rodri Hernandez and Fabian Ruiz, who have excelled throughout the tournament. However, Mainoo has already proven his mettle against top competition, including a decisive goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

As England prepares for the biggest game of Mainoo's young career, Southgate will rely on the midfielder's composure and skill to replicate his standout performance against the Netherlands and help England clinch their long-awaited Euro title. AFP