Manchester United 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is set to break the England national team record previously held by Wayne Rooney.
What happened?
The Man United academy product Kobbie Mainoo has been called up to the England squad by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
Mainoo will feature for the Three Lions in their friendly games at Wembley Stadium against Brazil and Belgium as they prepare for the forthcoming Euro 2024.
The midfielder was initially named in the under-21 squad but has now moved up for his first senior call-up with no player dropping out.
A statement released by English FA reads, "Kobbie Mainoo has received his first call-up to the England men's senior squad".
"The 18-year-old was initially part of the Man United 21s squad but has been inducted into Gareth Southgate’s squad".
"All other 25 players reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday, March 19 ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium."
The English FA added; "Manchester United midfielder Mainoo has previously represented England at MU17 through to MU19 level."
However, the 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has now made the jump straight to England's senior team, without paying for the U21.
He's set to join the likes of Wayne Rooney and Jadon Sancho who made that jump.
Even Jude Bellingham played four times for England's U21s before making his senior team debut in November 2020.
Mainoo has been one of the standouts of the season so far in the Premier League and has displaced Christian Eriksen in Man United's starting XI.
He has drawn great praise for his performances, including in Man United's recent 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo eyes Euro 2024 spot
Kobbie Mainoo says a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad is the end goal after the Manchester United teenager's outstanding rise proceeded with a first senior team call-up.
The 18-year-old midfielder has established himself as an integral part of Erik ten Hag's side since returning from an ankle ligament injury sustained in pre-season.
The Red Devils academy graduate produced a man-of-the-match performance as he made his first English Premier League start against Everton in November and received his maiden England call-up just 114 days later.
Mainoo says his goal for the March meet-up are straightforward, saying "good training camp and two wins".
Making his England debut is the personal target as he tries to prove to Southgate that he is worthy of a place in his squad ahead of the forthcoming Euro.
When asked about how he felt playing for the Three Lions, Mainoo said; "Yeah, I think that's the end goal for the season, to get into that squad."
He added; "But obviously I've got to focus on club football in the meantime, and hopefully that'll figure itself out."
Mainoo is not the first teenage talent to get a shot under Southgate, with Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka quickly cementing their places as England regulars.
Asked if he (Mainoo) aspires to that, he said: "Yeah, definitely. To follow in the footsteps of them, they've been amazing. They've come up and stayed up so quickly and they're both great players."
His England call-up is richly deserved and now it's time for him to sprinkle his magic on the biggest stage.
What's next for Kobbie Mainoo?
Following his call-up, the 18-year-old will link up with some of his Man United teammates including Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire, therefore, it remains to be seen whether the England boss will include him in the starting lineup against Brazil and Belgium or use him as a substitute.
England will lock horns with Brazil at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, March 23, at 8:00 WAT before they host Belgium on Tuesday, March 26 at 8:45 WAT.
In addition, Should he play against Brazil or Belgium in the coming days, Mainoo would become just the 14th male player this century to make his England debut before turning 19.
What happened?
The Man United academy product Kobbie Mainoo has been called up to the England squad by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
Mainoo will feature for the Three Lions in their friendly games at Wembley Stadium against Brazil and Belgium as they prepare for the forthcoming Euro 2024.
The midfielder was initially named in the under-21 squad but has now moved up for his first senior call-up with no player dropping out.
A statement released by English FA reads, "Kobbie Mainoo has received his first call-up to the England men's senior squad".
"The 18-year-old was initially part of the Man United 21s squad but has been inducted into Gareth Southgate’s squad".
"All other 25 players reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday, March 19 ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium."
The English FA added; "Manchester United midfielder Mainoo has previously represented England at MU17 through to MU19 level."
However, the 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has now made the jump straight to England's senior team, without paying for the U21.
He's set to join the likes of Wayne Rooney and Jadon Sancho who made that jump.
Even Jude Bellingham played four times for England's U21s before making his senior team debut in November 2020.
Mainoo has been one of the standouts of the season so far in the Premier League and has displaced Christian Eriksen in Man United's starting XI.
He has drawn great praise for his performances, including in Man United's recent 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo eyes Euro 2024 spot
Kobbie Mainoo says a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad is the end goal after the Manchester United teenager's outstanding rise proceeded with a first senior team call-up.
The 18-year-old midfielder has established himself as an integral part of Erik ten Hag's side since returning from an ankle ligament injury sustained in pre-season.
The Red Devils academy graduate produced a man-of-the-match performance as he made his first English Premier League start against Everton in November and received his maiden England call-up just 114 days later.
Mainoo says his goal for the March meet-up are straightforward, saying "good training camp and two wins".
Making his England debut is the personal target as he tries to prove to Southgate that he is worthy of a place in his squad ahead of the forthcoming Euro.
When asked about how he felt playing for the Three Lions, Mainoo said; "Yeah, I think that's the end goal for the season, to get into that squad."
He added; "But obviously I've got to focus on club football in the meantime, and hopefully that'll figure itself out."
Mainoo is not the first teenage talent to get a shot under Southgate, with Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka quickly cementing their places as England regulars.
Asked if he (Mainoo) aspires to that, he said: "Yeah, definitely. To follow in the footsteps of them, they've been amazing. They've come up and stayed up so quickly and they're both great players."
His England call-up is richly deserved and now it's time for him to sprinkle his magic on the biggest stage.
What's next for Kobbie Mainoo?
Following his call-up, the 18-year-old will link up with some of his Man United teammates including Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire, therefore, it remains to be seen whether the England boss will include him in the starting lineup against Brazil and Belgium or use him as a substitute.
England will lock horns with Brazil at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, March 23, at 8:00 WAT before they host Belgium on Tuesday, March 26 at 8:45 WAT.
In addition, Should he play against Brazil or Belgium in the coming days, Mainoo would become just the 14th male player this century to make his England debut before turning 19.