Gary Lineker reacts to Kobbie Mainoo’s inclusion in senior England squad

Gary Lineker has praised England boss Gareth Southgate for calling Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo into his senior squad for the March friendlies.

Mainoo, 18, has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough season at United and his latest performance against Liverpool showed world football that the Reds have another gem on their hands along with Alejandro Garnacho.

Southgate did not select Mainoo in his 25-man squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. He explained that United’s rising star ‘had only played a handful of games’ and was cautious about handling his development.

The performance against Liverpool changed everything. Southgate quickly drafted Mainoo into his senior squad.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker turned MOTD presenter, Gary Lineker, feels Southgate’s decision was justified. He wrote: “Much deserved and a good decision by Gareth Southgate.”

Much deserved and a good decision by Gareth Southgate. https://t.co/qlpvJpU09F

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 19, 2024

Southgate knows he’s got a real talent on his hands. He probably wants to make use of that since he is unlikely to be England manager ater Euro 2024.

Bookmakers have already slashed odds on Mainoo making the Euro 2024 squad.

We shouldn’t be surprised that Southgate – and England – want to rush Mainoo into the senior squad. It is a shame that they can’t let him focus on his development at United, especially when he is a player aged 18.

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