Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo has been promoted to the England senior squad for the friendlies with Brazil and Belgium. The 18-year-old midfielder joined Gareth Southgate’s senior squad on Tuesday having been named initially in the under-21s squad.
Mainoo, a former under-17 and under‑19 international, has made an impressive breakthrough, with 20 appearances since a pre‑season injury delayed his start to the campaign. He joined the 25 other players who reported for duty at St George’s Park to stake his claim for a place in the Euro 2024 squad.
He said: “I was with the under‑21s and I got a text from [the England assistant manager] Steve Holland telling me to come and meet him at reception. He just told me I’ve been called up … I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, but I’m excited. [My family] are all buzzing.” On Instagram he posted: “It’s an honour.”