KOBBIE MAINOO has been called up to the England squad for the first time.
The youngster is a late addition to the team following Gareth Southgate’s official squad announcement last week.
Mainoo, 18, was initially called up to Lee Carsley’s Under-21 squad and has played for England U19s previously.
But Southgate appears to have had a change of heart and has brought Mainoo into his squad as a precaution.
Mainoo reacted to the news by sharing an image of himself in England attire alongside the caption: “It’s an honour to receive my first senior call up 🙏🏾🏴”
The Manchester United wonderkid now has the opportunity to make his debut against Brazil on Saturday, or against Belgium on Tuesday.
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He is the third player in the current squad to be called up for the first time along with Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon.
It is the latest step for Mainoo in his meteoric rise, which has seen the midfielder barely miss a game since breaking into the United first-team in November.
Mainoo has caught the eye with his performances and now has the chance to stake his claim to be included in the squad for Euro 2024.
Ian Wright is a big fan and last week criticised Southgate for leaving Mainoo out of the squad.
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Mainoo’s breakthrough
KOBBIE Mainoo has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last year, going from academy prospect to one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s team-sheet in just 15 months.
January 10, 2023 – Makes full debut for Man Utd at Old Trafford in 3-0 win over Charlton in the Carabao Cup.
February 19, 2023 – Comes on for the final ten minutes in a 3-0 home win over Leicester for his first Premier League action.
July 27, 2023 – After looking at home in the starting line-up in United’s opening pre-season games the youngster limps off with an injury just minutes into clash with Real Madrid.
November 26, 2023 – Has to wait four months to return before being handed first Premier League start away to Everton in a 3-0 win.
November 29, 2023 – Makes Champions League debut, coming on for the final 32 minutes in a 3-3 draw away to Galatasaray.
January 28, 2024 – Scores first senior United goal, sweeping home from just inside the box in a 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup.
February 1, 2024 – Follows first goal up with stunning 97th-minute winner in rollercoaster 4-3 win at Wolves.
March 17, 2024 – Ian Wright and other ex-pros question Mainoo’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad after stunning performance against Liverpool.
March 19, 2024 – Handed first senior England call-up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Southgate, 53, opted instead for Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher, Jude Bellingham and James Maddison in midfield – as Kalvin Phillips also got snubbed.
However, the Three Lions boss was asked about Mainoo’s exclusion and he replied by hinting he was not far away from a call-up.
Southgate said: “There are some players who are doing exceptionally well, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, Rico Lewis. Archie Gray is doing really well at Leeds.
“I think [Mainoo] 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, so you have to be very careful.
“We feel we should give him the space to develop at his own speed.
“But he’s having some wonderful experiences at Manchester United and seems a very good character.”
England squad to face Brazil and Belgium
Goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone
Defenders – Kyle Walker, John Stones, Lewis Dunk, Jarrad Branthwaite, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell
Midfielders – Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher, Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Kobbie Mainoo
Forwards – Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney, Anthony Gordon
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
