Gareth Southgate has provided his clearest indication yet that Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo will make his final England squad for Euro 2024.
The 19-year-old was last week named in Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for this summer’s competition in Germany following his breakout campaign for United.
Mainoo made his full league debut against Everton last November, making 32 appearances this term having instantly become a fixture in Erik ten Hag’s midfield.
The midfielder scored memorable goals against Wolves and Liverpool in the league but saved perhaps his biggest moment yet for last Saturday, scoring for his boyhood club against Manchester City in the FA Cup final as United sealed a famous 2-1 win.
England have a friendly match against Bosnia on Monday before welcoming Iceland to Wembley on Friday. Just hours after that match, Southgate must confirm his final 26-man squad heading to Germany with calls for Mainoo to have a key role to play for England this summer increasing.
And Southgate has suggested that performance at Wembley have tilted things further in Mainoo’s favour.
‘You can see technical ability, everybody can see that, but then it’s about how tactically aware (they are), how mature, ability to cope in big matches,’ Southgate told England’s YouTube channel.
‘When you’re playing for a club like Manchester United, you’re always under the spotlight, so he’s shown that with them, with us in March (in his first senior call-up).
‘We’ve never been afraid to put young players in. If players are good enough, then we’re not so concerned about their age.
‘It’s helpful to have more evidence when you’re making decisions on players, so Kobbie’s had an amazing season, really adjusted well. Fabulous for him to finish the season with a goal and a trophy at the end of it.’
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire injury updates
Mainoo’s teammates Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire both missed the win over City through injury but both were named in the provisional England squad.
Southgate admitted last week Shaw’s inclusion in the final squad was ‘a long shot’ but says both players are putting the work in to give them every chance of being ready.
‘Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire have had injuries at the end of the season with United, so they needed a little bit more work with our medical team,’ Southgate said.
‘But I think they’re both hugely committed to trying to be fit for the tournament and they realise that every day is important.
‘Now we get a chance to see exactly where they are and that’s the key at this time of the season.
‘We get information from the clubs, but until you see the players in front of you, medics get their hands on them, and we can see them on grass, then you have a much clearer picture.’
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