KOBBIE MAINOO has claimed an honour that England legend Gary Lineker never received after just 20 minutes of action for the Three Lions.
The Manchester United prodigy has exploded on to the scene this season, clocking up 20 appearances under Erik ten Hag.
Mainoo’s magnificent form saw him rewarded with a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
And the midfielder’s wildest dreams came true when he made his international debut against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday.
Mainoo played 20 minutes as the Three Lions suffered a 1-0 defeat in the friendly.
But despite the result, it was an occasion that will never be forgotten by the 18-year-old.
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And to mark his bow, Mainoo was handed a legacy cap by England boss Southgate.
The commemorative item was first adopted by the FA in 2019 to mark the 1000th national team game.
Debutants have been receiving a legacy cap since September 2021.
While former players continue to be recognised for their incredible efforts in years gone by.
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Newcastle legend Alan Shearer became the most recent England icon to receive one on Saturday.
He netted 30 goals in 63 games and is widely considered to be one of the country’s greatest-ever strikers.
However, good pal Lineker is still waiting to receive his own legacy cap — despite scoring 48 goals in 80 games for England.
The former Leicester hero admitted he “didn’t know it was a thing” as he congratulated Shearer on The Rest Is Football podcast.
But he couldn’t resist poking fun at his friend’s reward, saying: “We were all at Wembley for the England Brazil game.
“There was a special event to celebrate the life of Terry Venables, and our very own Alan Shearer even picked up his legacy England cap.
“Tell us what that is Alan, because I haven’t got one yet. I didn’t even know it was a thing!”
Shearer noted: “I wasn’t quite sure what it was, I had to do some digging about.
“I’m the 1,040th person to have represented England and that’s what the legacy cap is. Haven’t got a clue what the other numbers are!”
Lineker quipped: “I think they do it in terms of ability, Alan!”
Meanwhile, England boss Southgate admits Mainoo has a great chance of gate-crashing his Euros squad.
The gaffer revealed: “We have looked at both of those things in training across the week, so definitely Kobbie has a chance.
“In terms of progress into our squad, he is benefitting because we are not as rich in resources in that area.
“But we are really happy to see how he has dealt with training and we see things he can bring already.
“I am mindful that we have to look after him and make sure his development is at the right speed — but the opportunities are there.
“He seems very calm. You can see he is taking everything in.
“Talking to him tactically, he seems able to take all those concepts on. A lot of young players now, with their academy education, are able to do that.
“You can see his comfort with the ball and receiving in tight areas.
“There are a lot of steps being taken in a short period of time but you saw in his cameo some of his qualities.
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“I think sometimes, with the really young ones, they are not even thinking about that.
“It is a beautiful, innocent moment when he is just in the flow. And lapping up opportunities as they come.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
