Kobbie Mainoo shares Wayne Rooney's encouragement ahead of World Cup

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 12:40 PM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Kobbie Mainoo shares Wayne Rooney's encouragement ahead of World Cup
Summary

Kobbie Mainoo is preparing for England's World Cup opener against Croatia tomorrow after earning his spot on the squad. The Manchester United midfielder experienced a resurgence under manager Michael Carrick, following a challenging period last season. Wayne Rooney sent him a message wishing him luck and praising his resilience as a role model for younger players. Mainoo aims to make an impact as he steps onto the international stage again after previously competing in the 2024 Euros.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • Mainoo played a key role in Manchester United's third-place finish last season.
  • England's first match in the World Cup is against Croatia.
  • Wayne Rooney's message emphasizes Mainoo's importance to youth players.
  • Mainoo previously competed in the 2024 Euros, gaining international experience.
Latest Updates
  • 12:40 PMYahoo SportsKobbie Mainoo reveals Wayne Rooney message ahead of Word Cup
What they're saying
"

Midway through last season, Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United career was up in the air, with Ruben Amorim not gelling with the midfield star and leaving him frozen out at Old Trafford. A move away f...

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days