In a season filled with ups and downs for Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a standout name from the Red Devils’ academy. The wonderkid is earning praise from around the world thanks to his scintillating performances for the club under Dutch boss Erik ten Hag.
The teenage midfield sensation has cemented his role as a key player for United since his full Premier League debut in a 3-0 victory over Everton in November earlier this season, Mainoo’s impressive breakthrough campaign has now caught the attention of England national team manager Gareth Southgate.
Kobbie Mainoo to join England squad for friendlies
Manchester United’s promising star, Kobbie Mainoo, has received his first senior call-up to the England national team for the March international friendlies. This comes after Gareth Southgate earlier left him out of the initial 25-man Three Lions squad. England is set to play two exhibition matches against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley Stadium in London.
The 18-year-old received a late call-up from the England boss and will be joining the Three Lions’ senior team camp at St. George’s Park as a late addition, becoming the 26th player in the squad. No other player has been removed from the earlier announced squad list.
Mainoo, who is of Ghanaian descent and thus eligible to represent the Black Stars, has instead chosen to represent England across various youth levels. Having joined the English Under-21 squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifiers, the Manchester United academy product has now been promoted to the senior camp.
This season, the English youth international has made an impressive 23 appearances and scored two goals for Manchester United across all competitions. His most recent outing in the FA Cup quarter-final triumph over Liverpool has prompted his wildcard entry into Southgate’s team.
Why has Gareth Southgate kept Kobbie Mainoo out of England team till now?
Following his last-minute call-up, Kobbie Mainoo could earn his first England cap in the ongoing March international window against Brazil and Belgium. The teenager is eager to make a strong impression on the 53-year-old Three Lions’ head coach ahead of the forthcoming Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate, who initially did not include Mainoo in the 25-man squad list, had showered the defensive midfielder with praise. He emphasized the importance of not rushing Mainoo’s development.
“I think Kobbie is doing brilliantly for a young player,” “We’re never slow to put a young player into the seniors, but he’s only had a handful of games. You have to be careful in making those decisions at the right time,” Southgate said.
He continued, “Ideally we should allow him the space to develop at his own speed. He’s not at the point in terms of the number of games that Jude [Bellingham] or Bukayo [Saka] were when they first came in, but I repeat – he’s doing really well, he’s a good footballer.”
Will Kobbie Mainoo become a successful player for his club and country? Drop your predictions in the comments section.
