Paul Scholes: Kobbie Mainoo is nearest I've seen to Zinedine Zidane

This is Zidane, who Scholes once named his best opponent. It’s surprisingly unfettered praise from a pundit renowned for harsh criticisms.

STAR BOY: Kobbie Mainoo. Pic: Adam Davy/PA

I’m not sure you can train it – I think it’s just in you,” Paul Scholes says of the fundamental qualities that made him the most decorated English footballer: calmness and composure. 

Those asking after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat last month where the country’s Rodri, Modric or Kroos was, could just as easily have wondered: “Where is our Scholes?”