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9 months ago
42 England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is being monitored amid suggestions he could feature in his plans for this summer’s European Championships.
The Stockport-born midfielder has excelled as a first-team player for United this season, producing a series of eye-catching performances and showing the sort of calmness you only usually see from senior professionals.
Despite only being 18, several are tipping Mainoo to make England’s squad for Euro 2024 rather than letting the kid continue to flourish at United.
Why rush it when we know the level of abuse aimed at United players when they represent England?
Speaking to reporters following the Nations League draw, Southgate said (via The Telegraph): “I think he’s doing brilliantly for a young player. He’s had an excellent start for United.
“I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He’s quite a progressive player, but he’s had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”
The quotes were also shared by Simon Peach via X, who attended the press conference.
England boss Gareth Southgate on Kobbie Mainoo: "He’s doing brilliantly. I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder as such. He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career & it'll be good to monitor him as we go forward" #MUFC
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) February 9, 2024
There is a potential twist in the story since Mainoo also qualifies to represent Ghana. It goes without saying that they would call him up in a heartbeat, but Southgate doesn’t sound concerned about that since Mainoo has already represented England at youth level.
In other news, Southgate says he hasn’t decided on his future and won’t until after Euro 2024. He also backs Declan Rice and Jack Grealish against the Irish response to the Nations League draw, and says the Arsenal midfielder has been indispensable over the last few years.
Let us know in the comments section what you think about Mainoo potentially playing for England’s senior team at such a young age.
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