Gareth Southgate has hinted at a potential positional change for Kobbie Mainoo as he eyes a call-up for the England national team.
Mainoo, who has been making waves at Manchester United since his breakthrough into the first team last year, showcased his talent with a dramatic winning goal against Wolves in a recent Premier League match.
Southgate has been closely monitoring the 18-year-old’s progress and is considering him for an England call-up, despite Mainoo not yet representing the senior squad.
While Mainoo has primarily played as a defensive midfielder, Southgate suggested that he might utilize him in a different role, possibly as a No.8, owing to his dynamic playing style.
“He’s doing brilliantly,” Southgate commented to TNT Sports. “I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career, and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”
With 13 appearances and two goals in all competitions this season, Mainoo has quickly become a pivotal figure under manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Fans have even begun to clamor for his inclusion in England’s squad for Euro 2024, where he could potentially join forces with midfield talents like Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
As England prepares for the upcoming tournament in Germany, Mainoo may get the chance to feature in friendlies scheduled in the coming months against strong opponents like Brazil and Belgium, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina in June.
The England squad, which was drawn into a group with Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia for the Nations League, anticipates a promising campaign ahead.
