Kobbie Mainoo’s scintillating breakthrough campaign has seen him tipped for a maiden England call-up this month.
It remains to be seen if Gareth Southgate will actually take the leap and include the Manchester United starlet in his squad for their forthcoming friendlies, but reports have suggested that the manager was mulling over the idea.
One thing’s for sure, Mainoo’s certainly outperforming what would be his senior midfield counterparts Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips. If they’re chosen over the in-form, rising talent, the decision won’t go down too well with supporters.
From United’s perspective, they’ll want to see Mainoo flourish in every avenue of his career including internationally. However, we all know that fewer fixtures outside of club action reduce the chances of him returning with an injury, and he already missed the first quarter of the campaign due to a long-term knee complaint. Managing the 18-year-old’s minutes at this stage of his transition to senior football is crucial.
Still, should the Carrington graduate be named in the Three Lions’ next squad in the coming weeks, it’ll mark a huge milestone for him, having represented his nation at under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels. Making the jump to the national team would only prove that other coaches rate him as highly as United’s do.
Ten Hag on Southgate’s decision
Speaking to BBC Sport, Ten Hag was pressed on the rumours.
“It’s not up to me. The England manager, Gareth Southgate, knows very well what he wants and it’s up to him,” the Dutchman responded.
All the things that I can see, and what I saw, is that high potential. Every time, he’s going to high levels. Every training, every game, he’s playing at higher levels. So he has a high potential but it’s up to him to keep the process going and I have to manage this.”
