The debut appearance of Manchester United’s rising star, Kobbie Mainoo, in England training has been unveiled following his inaugural senior call-up by Gareth Southgate.
Mainoo’s promotion to the senior side was announced on Monday, hot on the heels of his remarkable performance at Old Trafford against Liverpool. Despite only making his Premier League debut in November 2023 against Everton, Mainoo’s swift ascent to Southgate’s squad underscores the exceptional talent the midfielder possesses.
Reflecting on his momentous news earlier in the week, Mainoo shared, “I received the call-up to the U21s and then received a text from Steve Holland. He instructed me to meet him in the reception area and informed me of my call-up, adding that I would be joining the squad for the week. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but I’m filled with excitement.”
Fans eagerly awaited their first glimpse of Mainoo in action for the Three Lions, with England channels releasing footage showcasing the 18-year-old’s defensive prowess against the likes of James Maddison, Ivan Toney, Ben Chilwell, and Kyle Walker.
Despite the fervor surrounding the young talent, Mainoo was initially omitted from Southgate’s selection for the upcoming friendlies. Addressing queries about Mainoo’s absence from the England squad, Southgate emphasized caution in nurturing the budding talent, stating, “He’s making remarkable strides for a young player, and we are always open to integrating young talent into the senior team. However, we must exercise prudence in his development trajectory, allowing him the space to progress at his own pace. While Mainoo may not have accumulated the same number of appearances as Jude Bellingham or Bukayo Saka did upon their initial inclusion, his promise as a footballer is evident.”
Southgate reiterated, “Mainoo is indeed excelling for a player of his age. He possesses remarkable skill, and his potential is undeniable.”
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