Kobbie Mainoo has his sights set on a place at Euro 2024 after the teenager’s form for Manchester United led to his promotion to Gareth Southgate’s senior England squad.
Mainoo was initially named in the England Under-21 squad for their upcoming games against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg, despite public clamour for him to be fast-tracked into the senior setup.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise since making his full Premier League debut last November, emerging as a key figure in the United engine room.
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He produced another terrific display as United ended Liverpool’s quadruple hopes with a dramatic 4-3 win over the Reds in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford, and was promptly promoted to the senior squad.
Mainoo – who is also eligible to represent Ghana – could now make his international debut when the Three Lions welcome Brazil and Belgium to Wembley Stadium for high-profile friendlies in the coming days.
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Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Wednesday, Mainoo recalled his reaction to receiving his first call-up, saying: “I was shocked and happy.
“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, a pretty mad couple of days.
“I had to adapt quickly to the Premier League. Obviously, it’s very demanding physically, and also mentally, so it’s been tough.
“But I feel like I’ve found my feet a bit now and I’m enjoying it. The games have been coming so fast at United but now I’m here, I’m taking it all in and it’s been amazing.”
Despite his inexperience, Mainoo has been tipped to make Southgate’s squad for the Euros, with Kalvin Phillips currently out of favour and Jordan Henderson attracting criticism for his short-lived move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, who he left for Ajax in January.
Asked about his chances of being on the plane for the trip to Germany, Mainoo said: “I think that’s the end goal for the season, to get into that squad.
“But obviously I’ve got to focus on club football in the meantime, and hopefully that’ll figure itself out.”