Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo receives maiden senior England call-up

The youngster was drafted into England’s U21 squad earlier

Kobbie Mainoo, a midfielder for Manchester United, has been called up to the England national squad for the first time.

When the midfielder was first called up to the U21 squad, Gareth Southgate implied that the young sensation for United hadn’t played enough games for the team.

However, for forthcoming friendlies versus Brazil and Belgium, the 18-year-old has now been called up to the senior team. It follows Mainoo’s incredible performance in Manchester United’s 4-3 FA Cup victory against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Despite all 25 players reported to St George’s Park for the senior squad, Mainoo has been called up.

Players are often only called up in the event of injuries or dropouts. However, Mainoo may have had his greatest game of the season against Liverpool, and clamour for his promotion have been louder in recent weeks.

Although Mainoo received his United Premier League debut in November, he is already a mainstay in the starting lineup.

Trending World Football Articles:

• Top 10 U18 football prodigies making waves during 2023-24 season
• Egypt announce squad for March international break; Mohamed Salah left out
• Top 10 most valuable teams in MLS 2024
• Kevin De Bruyne’s top 10 best assists in Premier League: Ranked
• Out of contract in 2024: Top 10 footballers available on free transfer

‘Kobbie Mainoo has received his first call up to the England men’s senior squad,’ a statement from the FA said.

‘The 18 year old was initially part of the MU21s squad but has been drafted into Gareth Southgate’s group.”

‘All other 25 players reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday ahead of the forthcoming internationals against Brazil and Belgium. Manchester United midfielder Mainoo has previously represented England at MU17 through to MU19 level.’

“I think Kobbie is doing brilliantly for a young player,” said Southgate. “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, and ideally we should allow him the space to develop at his own speed.

“He’s not at the point in terms of 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, you can see that, and he’s getting some fabulous experience with Man Utd and looks a good character.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.