Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo has been called up to the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The 18-year-old midfielder has been promoted into Gareth Southgate’s senior group for the first time having initially been named in the Under-21’s squad.
Mainoo, a former U17 and U19 international, has burst onto the scene at Old Trafford this season, racking up 20 appearances so far.
An addition to the #ThreeLions squad...
— England (@England) March 19, 2024
Congratulations to Kobbie Mainoo, who has received his first senior international call-up!
He joins the 25 other players who reported for duty at St George’s Park on Tuesday and get the chance to stake a claim for a possible place in the squad for the summer’s European Championship.
Southgate has had the youngster on his radar for some time and recently said at February’s Nations League draw: “He’s doing brilliantly.
“I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such.
“He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”
The midfielder joined United as a nine-year-old and made his debut at the start of 2023 in a League Cup game with Charlton.
He has progressed at speed and has often been a starter in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.
Mainoo will be hopeful of making his debut when England play Brazil on Saturday or against Belgium on Tuesday.
