Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo believes England can “100 per cent” win the World Cup this summer as he prepares to live out a boyhood dream.
Mainoo was part of a group that trained for the first time at England’s pre-tournament camp in Florida on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s men step up preparations.
The 21-year-old will be part of the squad that is aiming to end 60 years of hurt by winning the 48-team tournament in North America.
Mainoo, who started England’s Euro 2024 final defeat, has full confidence his side can lift the trophy on July 19.
“One hundred per cent,” he said. “I feel like everyone in the squad, staff, everyone believes we can win it. But that doesn’t come easy.
“It’s very special, something I’ve dreamed of, and I’m sure all the players have dreamed of since they were really young.
“So to be here and say that I’m playing in a World Cup is unbelievable. I’ve always wanted to play in a World Cup for all my life.
“It’s the biggest tournament in the world, so it’s definitely different from the Euros, but we will try and approach it in the same way with the goal that we want to win.”
Mainoo booked himself a spot in Tuchel’s squad after enjoying a new lease of life at Manchester United under Michael Carrick in the second half of the season.
He had not started a league match under former boss Ruben Amorim and looked set to leave Old Trafford, but Carrick’s appointment saw him play an instrumental part as United finished third in the Premier League.
“I mean, obviously there were difficult times,” he said. “But I tried to keep my focus on what was in front of me, take things day by day and just keep working my craft, keep working hard for the team, and I hoped the rest would come. Thankfully it has.”
The youngster will be joined by new faces in the centre of the park this summer, with the Red Devils expected to spend big on two or possibly even three new midfield signings.
Aurelien Tchouameni is the “dream” target according to Fabrizio Romano, but the reporter has now shared an update on a cheaper option who is set to become the first signing of the summer.
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United are planning to spend big to reinforce Michael Carrick’s squad this summer.
Star rejecting clubs in La Liga and Bundesliga to join Man Utd
Indeed, not only is Atalanta star Ederson on the verge of a move to Old Trafford, he has actually told clubs in Spain and Germany to stop talking to him as he has already made up his mind.
Atalanta were hoping for a bidding war due to the fact the 26 year-old only has one year remaining on his contract, but Ederson has an agreement in place with United and the deal will progress now the Serie A club have appointed their new director, Cristiano Giuntoli.
“(Ederson) stopped the conversations with all the other clubs who are not Man United, from Spain, from Germany as well.
“He said ‘I want to go to Manchester United’, so no chance to discuss with other clubs.
“He agreed on personal terms, and now with Cristiano Giuntoli signing as new Atalanta director, Man United have the possibility to have official steps of the deal after the verbal agreement getting very close with intermediaries involved.
“And now we can say that Ederson is going to be the next signing for Manchester United.”
The defensive midfielder played 30 times in the Italian top flight last season, scoring twice and averaging two tackles per game.
He is not in the Mainoo mould of weaving his way out of tight situations with the ball, but is an excellent passer and known for his ability to pick through the lines with long balls to forwards and wingers.
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Manchester United’s efforts to sign top-level talents this summer have shown no signs of slowing down.