International coach explains controversial decision to omit in-form United star from March squad

Gareth Southgate has today confirmed his England squad for the team’s double-header of friendlies later this month and opted to include two Manchester United players.

Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford received call-ups again, despite the latter struggling with fluctuating form and the former still recovering from an injury setback, which saw him sidelined for three straight matches.

There had been plenty of speculation ahead of the forthcoming international break over whether teenage starlet Kobbie Mainoo would be thrown into the senior mix for the first time in his career. His performances at club level have certainly been to the standard that Southgate would demand from his players, plus he’s undoubtedly outperforming senior midfield counterpart Jordan Henderson.

While Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite were granted their maiden call-ups, Mainoo has been made to wait. Erik ten Hag won’t mind, though, as it means he can keep the highly-rated prospect fit over the break and ready for United’s return to action at the end of March.

Southgate details reasoning behind Mainoo omission

When quizzed on his decision to omit the midfielder, Southgate explained: “Well, I think that he’s doing brilliantly for a young player, and we’re never slow to put a young player into the seniors. But he’s only had a handful of games, and you have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time, so we think, ideally, we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed. 

“He’s not at the point in terms of numbers of games that Jude [Bellingham] or Bukayo [Saka] were when they came in for the first time. But I repeat, he’s doing really well for a young player, he’s a good footballer, you can see that. He’s getting some fabulous experience with Manchester United at the moment and [he] looks a really good character.”

🗣️ "He's only had a handful of games"

Gareth Southgate on why Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has not received a senior England call-up 🔴 pic.twitter.com/IyK49JnRPO

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 14, 2024

Footage courtesy of Sky Sports.