What Kobbie Mainoo told Declan Rice proves why he's so important to Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo starred on his first start for England against Belgium on Tuesday night, scooping the Man of the Match award.

The 18-year-old, who has enjoyed a sharp rise this season, was awarded his full debut for the Three Lions after stepping off the bench in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Brazil. He started in a midfield trio alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, putting himself in the frame for a starting berth at the European Championship this summer.

It was argued prior to Tuesday night's 2-2 draw at Wembley that Mainoo would complete the ideal midfield for England, complementing the qualities of Rice and Bellingham in the engine room. Bellingham has established himself as England's No.10, providing an attacking threat, while Rice has made the No.6 spot his own.

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Mainoo, who has started each of the last 12 Premier League matches for United, excelled in the No.8 position, providing England with a little bit of everything in the middle. He showcased his ability to control and dictate the play, progress the ball and move out of tight spaces.

There were also several instances within his 74-minute run-out against Belgium when he received the ball on the half-turn from Rice and was only too happy to advance, as opposed to taking a safer option and playing it back. He started the move that led to Ivan Toney scoring from the penalty spot.

He is technically superb, meaning he has the talent to become a permanent fixture in both United's and England's midfield for years to come. Ahead of kick-off at Wembley, Rice was quizzed on