Kobbie Mainoo is celebrating being called into the England squad for his first senior cap.
England boss Gareth Southgate made a U-turn on his plan not to call Kobbie Mainoo into the Three Lions squad.
Speaking last week, Southgate played down Mainoo’s chances, telling his press conference: “He’s 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.”
A mesmeric performance against Liverpool followed, and Mainoo was subsequently elevated into the England senior set up, with Southgate changing his mind, creating an extra squad space.
Mainoo call praised
Kobbie Mainoo has a new platform to showcase his talents, as if the Manchester United stage was not big enough.
The hype train is in no danger of slowing down, and in Mainoo’s case, it is completely warranted. He looked like a complete midfielder, who is only just getting started.
Match of the Day host and former England striker Gary Lineker was quick to laud Southgate’s U-turn.
He wrote on X: “Much deserved and a good decision by Gareth Southgate.”
This followed Ian Wright lauding Mainoo’s performance against Liverpool as ‘immense’, and questioning why he was not in the senior squad.
The manager appears to have had a subsequent change of heart, realising his error.
Bruno Fernandes weighs in
Alejandro Garnacho was the first Manchester United player to react to Mainoo’s international call-up, congratulating the teenager.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes says he spotted Mainoo’s potential two years ago, and he is thrilled for his rise. He was quick to commend him on social media.
When England play next
England face Brazil in a glamour friendly on Saturday against Brazil, kicking off at 7pm.
The Three Lions then face Belgium on Tuesday night at 7.45pm, before club football resumes, when Manchester United visit Brentford.
Let’s just bring Kobbie Mainoo back in one piece.