At just 18 years old, Kobbie Mainoo is setting his sights on securing a place in Gareth Southgate's final 23-man squad for Euro 2024 as he continues his impressive rise with Manchester United and England.
Mainoo, who has made 20 appearances for United, has recently been a regular starter under manager Erik ten Hag, showcasing maturity beyond his years with a string of standout performances.
Reports from ESPN indicate that Southgate is eager to accelerate Mainoo's development within the England setup. Despite his limited experience, Mainoo was recently called up to the senior squad after initially being named in the Under-21s side by Lee Carsley.
Expressing his ambition, Mainoo stated, '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.'
While Mainoo is eligible to represent Ghana due to his heritage, having played for England at various youth levels, he emphasized his pride in both his Ghanaian roots and the opportunity to play for England.
Mainoo credited the guidance of seasoned midfielder Casemiro at United, highlighting the invaluable advice and support he receives from the five-time Champions League winner. He also acknowledged the influence of teammate Bruno Fernandes, noting the wealth of experience the Portuguese playmaker brings to the team.
With England set to face friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Mainoo's inclusion in the national team setup marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. As he continues to impress on the pitch, all eyes will be on Mainoo as he vies for a place in the Euro 2024 squad, aiming to make a lasting impact on the international stage.
