Kobbie Mainoo keen to contribute again in Denmark clash

Kobbie Mainoo will be putting club relationships to one side when England take on Denmark at EURO 2024 on Thursday.

The Manchester United midfielder plays with Danish pair Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund at club level and admits he admires both as players.

But there will be no question that he is competing against them when they meet in Frankfurt later this week.

Mainoo said: "They're both great teammates. Me and Rasmus are quite young so we're close.

"Christian I've learnt a lot from. I watched him last season and I was trying to pick things up from him. The journey he's been on since the last Euros has been amazing. He's such a good player. But if I'm to play on Thursday I'll put that aside and compete with them."

Mainoo was introduced as a late substitute during Sunday's opening 1-0 win over Serbia and was delighted to play his part in the three points.

He will be ready to go again and is expecting a tough test from Denmark.

The 19-year-old said: "I expected the intensity and the atmosphere was great from both sets of fans on Sunday. Gareth wanted me to see out the game. The first win is one of the most important.

"I'm always ready to play, whether off the bench or starting. But there are other great midfielders in the squad in the Premier League and La Liga, like Jude [Bellingham]. I'm just trying to train hard and be ready when called upon.

"Denmark are very technical. Eriksen is very good on the ball and we can't underestimate how good they will be."

Fellow midfielders Declan Rice and Bellingham played big parts in that first victory and Mainoo is relishing the chance to combine with the pair.

He said: "Dec is such a good player, so reliable and he's so good on the ball. He's dominant in midfield and when I get to play with him it's always a joy. To have someone so strong on the ball next to you is great. He's proved himself in the Premier League and on the international scene. He frees me up to go forward and attack, and when he goes forward I can sit in as well.

"Everyone knows what a great player Jude is, we see it every day in training. He's such a nice guy too, he's demanding and he has high standards in training so to be around him is great.

"Phil Foden, too. On the ball, his first touch is crazy. He's so technical. It's a great squad to be a part of."

Mainoo will be hoping to register his fifth England cap during Thursday's clash, with the Three Lions keen to find the win that would seal their place in the last 16 of the competition.