Manchester United youngster excited with national team call-up

Despite the fact that he was initially called up to England’s under-21s squad for the first time for Euro 2025 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg by the Young Three Lions coach Lee Carsley, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is excited to be joining up with the senior national team.

Manchester United’s 18-year-old has impressed since making his senior national team debut on November 19 against Everton while playing 20 games in total for the Red Devils.

His performances have caught the eyes of Gareth Southgate, and the United academy graduate could add to his England caps at under-17s, under-18s, and under-19s level with a senior team cap in this international window.

England will face Brazil on Saturday and Belgium next Tuesday, and both games will be at Wembley. The games are the last matches England will play before Gareth Southgate reveals his Euro 2024 squad.

With his invitation to train with the senior squad, a senior team debut could happen, leaving the door open for a place at Euro 2024, but Mainoo is still savoring the call-up.

“I got a text from Steve Holland telling me to come and meet him at reception, and he just told me I’ve been called up, and I’m going to be training with the squad for the week. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, but I’m excited!”. Mainoo said.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Man City).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Man City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Man United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

Daniel Ademiju Idowu