The England national football team stands on the brink of history, set to face Spain in the final of the European Championship—a moment that marks their best chance since the 1966 World Cup to lift an international trophy once more. Former England captain Wayne Rooney has unique insights into the upcoming showdown. He predicts that 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder Kobe Mene will play a pivotal role in the final, scoring the decisive goal.
Since making his debut for England this March, Mene’s outstanding performances at club level quickly earned him the trust of head coach Gareth Southgate, securing his place in the Euro squad. Initially spending more time on the bench as he adjusted to international football, Mene gradually established himself as a starter, forming a dynamic partnership with seasoned Declan Rice in central midfield. His poise and maturity on the pitch belie his age, impressing fans and pundits alike with every touch and movement. Mene has proven his worth through his actions.
Though he has yet to score for England, Mene has shown a striker’s instinct in crucial moments. Most notably, in the FA Cup final in May, he was instrumental in Manchester United’s victory over city rivals Manchester City, dominating the match. Rooney is convinced that Mene has the capability to replicate his domestic success on the grandest stage of the Euros.
In an interview with The Times, Rooney shared his hunch: “Kobe Mene will score in the final, and it will be the decisive goal.” He elaborated: “Mene’s movements in games are very intelligent; he always finds gaps in the opposition defense. Spain will likely focus their defensive efforts on Kane, Foden, Saka, and Bellingham, leaving more space for midfielders to attack. Mene could benefit from this, potentially scoring from a well-timed run into the box.”
Rooney also highlighted Mene’s performance in the Manchester derby, praising how he skillfully wriggled free from Man City’s Rodri in possession before scoring the winner, earning him the Man of the Match award.
The clash between England and Spain is not just a battle between two football powerhouses but also a confrontation between youth and experience. Can Mene live up to Rooney’s prophecy and become England’s savior? All will be revealed under the Berlin night sky.
