Kobbie Mainoo receives his first England senior call-up after sensational perfromance against Liverpool

Manchester United’s young star Kobbie Mainoo has received his first England call-up. He will be the newest addition to Gareth Southgate’s camp prior to the upcoming international break. The 18-year old was initially called to the U21 squad, but Southgate has changed his mind lately.

England will play against Brazil and Belgium for the next seven days. Mainoo’s chance to earn his first senior appearance is now more than ever as he has been the latest find of United’s manager Erik Ten Hag. 

England announced Kobbie Mainoo getting called up to the senior team

“Kobbie Mainoo has received his first call up to the England men’s senior squad,” England announced on their official website. “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.”

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Kobbie Mainoo has a big future ahead

Mainoo has been a regular member of the England youth teamsz. He started off with the U17 and later moved on to the U18, U19, and U21. The Stockport-born played 13 games for the junior groups, scoring one goal in his U17 days against Armenia in the qualification of Euro U17. This England call-up would also be his chance to be included in England’s Euro 2024 squad this summer.  

Mainoo has emerged as one of United’s promising players apart from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund. Lately, the fans have started to compare him to former Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf. Reacting to this phenomena, Ten Hag has chosen to protect his players from unnecessary distraction. 

“So I think never compare players with another player,” Ten Hag said to the club’s official website. “Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity. Don’t compare with anyone. His skill set, that is so typical. And it’s so Kobbie Mainoo, it’s nothing to do with other players.

“Of course, he can learn from other players, especially from great players as Clareace Seedorf was. But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has a big potential; and I’m quite sure he will have a big career.”

Kobbie Mainoo promotion

With Mainoo joining, the Three Lions squad, already equipped with other in-form young players, is now even better. Prior to Mainoo, Southgate also called the likes of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, and Bukayo Saka.