Kobbie Mainoo: Manchester United midfielder called up to senior England squad by Gareth Southgate

Manchester United's 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been called up to the England squad by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

England play two home friendlies at Wembley this week, against Brazil on Saturday, March 23 and then against Belgium on Tuesday, March 26 as they prepare for this summer's Euro 2024.

Mainoo was named in the under-21 squad initially, but has now moved up for his first senior call-up with no player dropping out.

A statement from England read: "Kobbie Mainoo has received his first call up to the England men's senior squad.

"The 18 year old was initially part of the MU21s squad but has been drafted into Gareth Southgate’s group.

"All other 25 players reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday ahead of the forthcoming internationals against Brazil and Belgium.

"Manchester United midfielder Mainoo has previously represented England at MU17 through to MU19 level."

Mainoo, who only had one Premier League appearance to his name at this time last year, admits he is still getting his head around his whirlwind rise.

"It's a bit different," he said. "I got called up to the 21s and then got a text from [England assistant manager] Steve Holland, who told me to come and meet him at reception. He just told me that I'd been called up.

"I don't think it's really sunk in yet, but I'm excited! I text home and they're all buzzing!"

Mainoo has been one of the revelations of the season thus far in the Premier League and has displaced Christian Eriksen in United's starting XI.

He has drawn great praise for his performances, including in United's recent 2-0 win over Everton in the Premier League from Old Trafford legend Wayne Rooney.

Rooney, who was speaking as part of TNT Sports' coverage, compared the teenager to a former United team-mate of his.

“I think he's incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he's shown,” Rooney said.

“When you see any young players come into the first team they're normally a bit raw or play off the cuff.

“He reminds me of a young Bastian Schweinsteiger with how he plays, and he always seems to make the right decisions.

“He has a very bright future.”

That isn't the only lofty player comparison Mainoo has received, as former England defender Rio Ferdinand compared him to Clarence Seedorf earlier in 2024.

Ferdinand said on TNT Sports after Mainoo's dramatic late winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers in February: “I am not saying he is the same ability or that player yet, but there are signs, he gives me vibes of Clarence Seedorf the way he can manoeuvre in tight situations, and the way he manipulates the ball, uses his body at times and shifts it.

“He is elusive at times as well, and the awareness to pick his spot. There are some players who see headlights and back pages, but he just caressed it.”

And recently Ferdinand went for an exclusive TNT Sports chat at the United training ground with Erik ten Hag and defender Jonny Evans.

Of Mainoo, the Northern Ireland defender said: "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'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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