Kobbie Mainoo: Manchester United Midfielder Joins England Squad for Friendlies

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has earned his inaugural call-up to the England squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Mainoo, 18, initially designated for the under-21s squad, has ascended to Gareth Southgate’s senior team.

England is set to face Brazil on Saturday and Belgium on March 26, both fixtures to be held at Wembley Stadium, marking their final matches prior to Southgate’s announcement of the Euro 2024 squad.

The remainder of the 26-man squad convened at St George’s Park on Tuesday. A product of the United academy, Mainoo, hailing from Stockport, has represented England at the under-17s, under-18s, and under-19s levels.

The teenage midfielder debuted for Manchester United against Everton in November and has since accumulated 19 additional appearances.

His maiden goal for the club came during an FA Cup fourth-round win against Newport at the conclusion of January, followed by a decisive strike versus Wolves in the Premier League just four days later.

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite were among the fresh faces arriving at St George’s Park, marking their inaugural senior call-ups.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney returns to the scene for the first time following an eight-month suspension for violating Football Association (FA) betting regulations in January.

Meet The England Squad