By Seyi Babalola
Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United striker, has predicted that Kobbie Mainoo will score the winning goal in England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Both teams will compete for the title in Berlin on Sunday.
The Three Lions are one match away from ending their 58-year quest for silverware.
Gareth Southgate’s team were pre-tournament favourites, but confidence dwindled throughout an uninspiring group stage in which England failed to overcome Denmark and Slovenia.
England likewise battled against Slovakia in their first knockout game and were on the verge of an embarrassing and early departure until Jude Bellingham scored in injury time and Harry Kane in extra time to turn the tie around.
However, La Roja will be their most difficult test in a competition in which Gareth Southgate’s side has not performed well.
But Rooney has stated that he “has a feeling” that England will win the Euros.
“I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final. That he is going to score and prove decisive,” Rooney told The Times.
“If you think of him in the tournament, he has got into good positions going forward and I think Spain will do their homework and close off space for Harry Kane, Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
“But that will leave space for a midfielder arriving late, and that Mainoo will get one from a cut-back.”