Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has received a surprise call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The 18-year-old midfielder was initially named in the Under-21 squad. However, his impressive performance in United’s dramatic FA Cup win over Liverpool on Sunday seems to have convinced Southgate otherwise.
Mainoo dominated Liverpool’s hostile press. He won seven out of ten ground duels and completed all four attempted dribbles.
He was one of United’s standout performers as they claimed a hard-fought 4-3 win over the Merseysiders.
The United academy graduate has been a revelation for the Red Devils this term, making 14 Premier League appearances.
He scored his debut goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 1, bagging the winner as United ran out 4-3 victors.
The stunning effort also won the Premier League goal of the month for February 2024.
Mainoo joined his senior teammates, including United veterans Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford, at St George’s Park on Tuesday, where he will hope to make his mark ahead of the 2024 European Championship this summer.
The Stockport-born youngster was the subject of a tug-of-war between Ghana and England, and it seems he has chosen the Three Lions. The next step will be to make a statement and keep his place in the team.
Mainoo is no stranger to representing England at the youth level, having featured for the U17, U18 and U19 teams.
However, this call-up to the senior squad presents a golden opportunity to make his international debut against some of the world’s best players.
With Jordan Henderson entering the twilight of his career and Kalvin Phillips struggling for form, Mainoo will be hoping to impress in training and potentially earn his first senior cap.
This late inclusion is a testament to Mainoo’s recent performances and could be the start of a bright international career for the young midfielder.
