IT turns out Kobbie Mainoo is as cool and calm off the pitch as he is on it.
In just six months, the teenager has gone from relative unknown to Manchester United regular and a member of Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.
A knee injury sustained in pre-season meant Mainoo only played his first game of the campaign in late November, but the 19-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise.
Speaking ahead of today's FA Cup final against Manchester City, he said: "Back then I wasn't even thinking about England.
"I was just thinking about getting fit and getting back in the squad, not even the starting line-up.
"So, to be here now, I wouldn't have dreamed it."
But Mainoo is not fazed by his new high-profile status, even though it means he can no longer pop to the local shop without requests for selfies and autographs.
"A lot more people know my name now," said Mainoo, who was born in Stockport, like City rival and England team-mate Phil Foden.
This story is from the May 25, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
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This story is from the May 25, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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