Kobbie Mainoo set to be handed first England National team start against Belgium

England have been ravaged by injuries to first-team players

Due to Jordan Henderson’s injury, Kobbie Mainoo is expected to make his debut for England in the exhibition with Belgium on Tuesday night.

Though Mainoo, 18, has played just 15 Premier League games for Manchester United, England boss Gareth Southgate acknowledged that setbacks have prompted him to alter his strategy, but he has made it obvious that he considers the young player is ready to start.Jude Bellingham is once again used as a number ten, although Kobbie Mainoo, who made his international debut as a late substitution in the loss to Brazil, could start alongside Declan Rice in the heart of midfield against Belgium.

Jarrod Bowen might have a chance to play on the left, although Ivan Toney is anticipated to start as the striker. Due to Harry Maguire’s injury, John Stones will probably start the next game in place of Lewis Dunk. Ezri Konsa will fill in for Kyle Walker at right-back after he excelled as a substitute against Brazil.When asked if Kobbie Mainoo would start in Henderson’s place, Southgate responded as follows:

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“Definitely, Kobbie has a chance.

“In terms of progress into our squad, he is benefiting because we are not as rich in resources in that area. But we are really happy to see how he has dealt with training and we see things he can bring already. I am mindful that we have to look after him and make sure his development is at the right speed, but the opportunities are there as well.”

Southgate certainly does not believe Mainoo’s inexperience will inhibit him, as he said: “I think sometimes, with the really young ones, they are not even thinking about that. It is all flowing and maybe then as you get a bit older you start to think about it a bit more. When you get even older, you cannot care less about it and you go again. It is a beautiful, innocent moment when he is just in the flow and lapping up the opportunities as they come.

“He seems very calm. Definitely, you can see he is taking everything in. Talking to him tactically, he seems able to take all those concepts on. A lot of young players now, with their academy education, are able to do that. You can see his comfort with the ball and receiving in tight areas. There are a lot of steps being taken in a very short period of time, but you saw in the brief cameo the other day some of the qualities he has.”

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