Manchester United prodigy Kobbie Mainoo has revealed his shock at receiving his first senior England call-up.
The midfielder, who has burst onto the scene this season, was initially called up to Lee Carsley’s Under-21 side – but was promoted to Gareth Southgate’s squad on Tuesday ahead of the games against Brazil and Belgium.
The 18-year-old, also eligible for Ghana, will now claim a surprise place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
He was pictured greeting United team-mate Harry Maguire and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as the team checked in at their Staffordshire base ahead of the Wembley double-header.
Speaking outside St George’s Park, Mainoo said: “It’s a bit different. I mean, I got called up to the Under-21s and then I got a text from Steve Holland (Southgate’s assistant).
Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United teammate, welcomes the youngster to the senior England team after Gareth Southgate promoted him to the under-21s.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka also welcomed Mainoo to the senior team at St George’s Park.
Mainoo is an addition to Southgate’s squad instead of replacing someone who is injured
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“He told me to come meet him at reception and just told me I had been called up and would be with the team for the week.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, but I’m excited for the week.”
Mainoo added that her family was all “buzzing” after her promotion.
The midfielder has previously represented England at junior level, but was not capped at either the Under-20s or Under-21s.
There have been no withdrawals from the current squad yet, but vice-captain and senior midfielder Jordan Henderson was replaced with some discomfort while playing for Ajax over the weekend.
Mail Sport reported last month that Mainoo planned to keep his international options open despite interest from Ghana.
The Stockport-born player would qualify for Ghana through his parents, with Ghana FA board member Randy Abbey telling The Times that they hope to persuade Mainoo to switch allegiance to the Black Stars.
However, those hopes were dashed when England stepped in and offered the teenager a chance to make his senior international debut later this month.
Under FIFA eligibility rules, a player can change their nationality at any time if they have only played friendly matches, while players under the age of 21 can also change their nationality after three years. they have played less than three competitive matches.
Mainoo has only represented the England Under-17 and Under-19 teams in the past.
Southgate brought in the youngster despite initially leaving him out of his plans
Mainoo impressed again as United stunned rivals Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Mainoo has made 20 appearances for United this season, including their dramatic 4-3 win over rivals Liverpool in their FA Cup quarter-final clash.
The senior team will face Brazil on Saturday and Belgium next Tuesday to continue preparations for this summer’s European Championship in Germany.
Meanwhile, the Under-21s play in the European Championship qualifiers in Azerbaijan on Friday and at home to Luxembourg – played at Bolton – next Tuesday.
