GARETH SOUTHGATE hinted Kobbie Mainoo could be in line for a call-up for Euro 2024.
That is despite the Manchester United youngster missing out on the England squad for the upcoming friendlies.
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 amid his superb form for the Red Devils.
And Southgate revealed why the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium came slightly too early for the teenager.
But he also revealed Mainoo, 18, and three others – Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds stars – were considered and therefore a strong end to the season could see them given a seat on the plane to Germany in the summer.
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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.
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“We don’t feel he’s at the same number of games where Jude [Bellingham] and Bukayo [Saka] were at that stage.
“But he’s having some wonderful experiences at Manchester United and seems a very good character.”
England squad for March friendlies
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
Forwards – Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney, Anthony Gordon
Mainoo has been a regular in the United midfield under Erik ten Hag this season, cementing his spot by starting the last 12 Premier League matches.
The holding midfielder’s impressive stats include two goals this term – in the win at Newport and the thrilling last-gasp winner at Wolves.
SunSport revealed that strong form means Mainoo is in line for a treble-your-money pay rise less than a year after his latest contract extension.
That would see him put pen to paper on £60,000 per week.
And ex-United star Wes Brown even compared the academy graduate to Champions League icon Clarence Seedorf.
However, with the youngster yet to represent the senior England team in a competitive fixture, he could still switch allegiance to Ghana.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
