KOBBIE MAINOO says it is his goal to gatecrash England’s Euros squad after a ‘whirlwind’ rise to Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.
The 18-year-old Manchester United midfield man is in with a chance of a Wembley debut against Brazil on Saturday or Belgium next Tuesday – after just 23 appearances for his club.
And Mainoo said: “That’s the end goal for the season, to get into that (Euros) squad.
“I’ve got to focus on club football in the meantime, and hopefully that’ll figure itself out.
“Hopefully, we’ll have a good training camp and get two wins and hopefully I’ll get my first cap.
“There’s a lot of time between now and Germany. If I go back to my club and perform well and do what I need to do, then hopefully it’ll all align.
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“It would be an honour to be able to make the plane.”
Mainoo was originally called up for England’s Under-21s for the first time last week but the Stockport-born teenager impressed during United’s epic 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool and was fast-tracked into the senior Three Lions party.
And Mainoo said: “It’s been a pretty mad couple of days. Sunday was a great game and a great win, then to get called up to the Under-21s, then getting here and realising that I was with the first-team was amazing.
“I was shocked and happy and it’s been a whirlwind of emotions.
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“Gareth has been really good, really welcoming, made me feel comfortable here and told me what my role would be if I was to play.”
Mainoo has represented England at youth level but is still eligible to play for Ghana.
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.
And he said: “I’m proud of my Ghanaian heritage, both my parents being from there.
“But being with England is an amazing opportunity and I’m enjoying it.”
Mainoo was a boyhood United fan but also names Brazil legend Ronaldinho as a favourite player.
Asked to name his heroes, Mainoo replied: “I’d say Wayne Rooney. Paul Scholes as well. And King Eric (Cantona). He was a bit before my time, but I still appreciate him.
“And Ronaldinho played with a smile on his face, and he played freely.
“I think everyone loves Ronaldinho. How can you not? I mean, he was a great player.”
“Brazil is such an iconic team and to play against them would be amazing.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
