Kobbie Mainoo responds to England boos after ‘humbling’ defeat against Iceland in final match before Euros

Kobbie Mainoo insists England’s confidence has not suffered a setback despite a ‘humbling’ defeat against Iceland. 

The Three Lions were hoping to end their preparations for the Euros with an impressive performance in front of the Wembley crowd. 

However, Gareth Southgate’s men produced a disjointed display as Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s first half strike sealed victory for the visitors. 

England were met with boos from disappointed supporters at the full-time whistle but Mainoo, who played the full 90 minutes, doesn’t believe it will affect the dressing room. 

The Manchester United midfielder said: ‘Not at all! We know the quality we have in the changing room and now we just have to show the fans we’re good enough and we can compete in Germany.

Kobbie Mainoo insists England’s confidence has not suffered a despite the negative backlash 

‘I think going into a tournament after a loss can be a good thing. We’ve got a point to prove now to ourselves really because we know we’re better than that and play a lot better football.

‘It was humbling and we have to come together now. We’ve got a chip on our shoulder and have to come together and have the motivation now to go into that first game and prove a point.

‘I think so if we’re not winning we’re learning. Any chance to learn is a good opportunity and better now than in nine days.’ 

Meanwhile, Southgate admitted he ‘completely understands’ the negative backlash after the loss which ensured England will head into next week’s opener against Serbia on the back of just one win in five matches. 

‘I completely understand (the boos). We didn’t play well enough to keep them excited within the game,’ Southgate said. 

‘We had some very, very good chances which normally would be finished which could have given a different complexion to the game and of course would have affected the confidence of the opponent.

‘But that would have masked some flaws that were apparent tonight. From my perspective, I’ve learned a lot from the game.

‘It does focus the mind that any sort of complacency that talent is going to get us this trophy and that we only have to stroll in…football is not like that. You’ve got to be spot on in every aspect of the game to win any game at this level and we were a long way short of that tonight and Iceland deserved their win.

Gareth Southgate admitted he understood the negative reaction from the crowd at Wembley

‘But I’ve no qualms with the supporters’ reaction. To have the fans with you here obviously makes a massive difference, but you have to give them enough goalmouth action, you have to play well enough, press and win the ball with intensity to keep them with you during the game.

‘It’s not the night we wanted, the performance was not on the level it needed to be.

‘It’s far from an ideal night, I’m not going to dress up the disappointment but we have to stay calm because we know what needs to be put right.’