Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is backing Kobbie Mainoo to be included in Gareth Southgate’s plans for England’s Euro 2024 campaign this summer.
The European Championships take place in Germany this year and Manchester United academy graduate Mainoo is being tipped for a call up to senior international football.
Mainoo has enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough campaign with United thus far, going from strength-to-strength in Erik ten Hag’s first team.
In turn, that has led to many calls for Mainoo to be given his England debut under Southgate. From a United perspective we want him to focus on his club football to prioritise his development.
Southgate can only select 23 players for his Euro 2024 squad and I’m not saying I don’t think Mainoo warrant a player over other midfielders, but he is only 18 and there’s no point rushing his path into the England side.
Berbatov believes Mainoo is already worthy of his place.
“I saw some of the pundits in the UK were calling for Mainoo to be in consideration for the England squad,” Berbatov told Betfair, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“My opinion has not changed; we shouldn’t overhype young players that are playing well for their club, but at the same time, if he continues his form, then it won’t be a bad idea to include him in the 23-man squad. If Gareth Southgate has other ideas and he’s not pressured by public opinion despite seeing the quality in Mainoo, maybe he will take him for the experience, but in his mind it’s too early to include him in the team. It might be beneficial just to soak in all the experience, to be around other players that have been there for a long time. That could be a way to go. If not, and if the manager includes him in the squad, then Mainoo would have earned his place based on his current form. But again, be careful. We’ve witnessed a lot of great talents in the past that have done well and then they’ve gone downhill.”
England should give Mainoo assurances that he will be brought into the squad after the European Championships.
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