Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo swerves Ghana for England

Kobbie Mainoo has been drafted into England’s senior squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

The 18-year-old was one of many star performers in United’s thrilling 4-3 Emirates FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool on Sunday, but had initially been selected for England’s Under-21s.

However, national coach Gareth Southgate has now asked the Academy graduate to join his 25-man group.

The midfielder reported to St George’s Park on Tuesday, along with United team-mates Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford.

Both games will be played at Wembley Stadium, with Brazil’s visit scheduled for Saturday 23 March (19:00 GMT) and Belgium to follow on Tuesday 26 March (19:45 GMT).

The friendlies are England’s final matches before Southgate selects his final squad for this summer’s European Championship in Germany.
Mainoo has represented England at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 levels, but now has the opportunity to push for a first senior international cap.

This promotion is yet another achievement that United’s hard-working Academy staff can feel immensely proud of.

If Mainoo goes on to play in Southgate’s side, he will join a long roll call of players who have emerged through the Reds’ world-famous youth system to represent their countries.

The list of homegrown United players who have featured for England since 2000, for example, includes the likes of Dean Henderson, Michael Keane, Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck, as well as Mainoo’s current club colleagues Marcus Rashford and Tom Heaton.

Congratulations, Kobbie, and good luck!