Mainoo Earns England Call-Up: Excitement at St George’s Park

In a significant development, rising star Kobbie Mainoo made his debut appearance with the England senior squad after being called up by manager Gareth Southgate on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who has made waves with his standout performances this season, initially found himself in Lee Carsley’s Under-21 team. However, a remarkable rise in form earned him a promotion to the senior squad ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Mainoo arrived at St. George’s Park on Tuesday and wasted no time in joining his national teammates for training. The Manchester United talent was spotted alongside fellow Red Devils player Marcus Rashford, showcasing the camaraderie within the squad.

Earlier in the day, Mainoo was warmly greeted by United’s Harry Maguire and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as the squad gathered at their Staffordshire base ahead of the crucial Wembley double-header.

Speaking about his unexpected call-up, Mainoo expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a bit different. I mean, I got called up to the under-21s and then got a text from Steve Holland [Southgate’s assistant]. He told me to come to meet him in the reception and just told me that I’ve been called up and that I’m going to be with the squad for the week. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet but I’m excited for the week.”

Despite previously representing England at U17 through U19 levels, Mainoo is yet to earn caps at U20 or U21 levels. His international future had been a subject of speculation, with interest from Ghana, but England has now secured his commitment for the senior squad.

Mainoo wasn’t the only fresh face in training, as fellow debutants Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite also joined the session. Additionally, Ivan Toney, recently cleared after an eight-month ban, and Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, returning to the squad after four years, added to the buzz at St George’s Park.

With friendlies against Brazil and Belgium on the horizon, England’s preparations are in full swing. The squad will also face Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in warm-up matches in June before beginning their UEFA Nations League campaign in September.

While the squad remains intact for now, concerns arise over the fitness of vice-captain Jordan Henderson, who was substituted with discomfort during a recent match for Ajax. England fans await updates on his status as the team gears up for crucial fixtures ahead.