Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has been called-up to the England squad for the first time by manager Gareth Southgate.
Mainoo has already been called up to the England Under-21 team. Having played for England’s U19, U18 and U17 teams. He has now been promoted to the first team by Gareth Southgate after the player’s recent form with the Red Devils.
No players have withdrawn from the England squad, meaning that Kobe Maino’s call-up is merely an addition to the squad. England will face Brazil in a friendly on Saturday at Wembley. They also face Belgium at the same venue on 26 March.
The 18-year-old has made 15 appearances for Manchester United, scoring one goal. His strong form has earned him a place in the starting XI at the expense of Christian Eriksen.
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans expressed his admiration for Mainoo in training.
“With Kobbie, in my first training session back here, I came in and the first thing I said to the kit man was, ‘Who’s that young lad?’” he told TNT Sports.
“He’s a top player, and in the session we were playing, he was playing with his head up and as a defender, as soon as a midfielder gets his head up, you’re in trouble.
“So that was one of the first things that I noticed about him. The two of them (Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho) have really gone on to make a name for themselves this season, especially.”
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