Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo to Debut Internationally Against Belgium on Tuesday- Kobbie Mainoo, an 18-year-old midfielder from Manchester United, is set to make his full international debut for England against Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday night. Mainoo, who made his senior debut off the bench in the defeat to Brazil on Saturday, will start for Gareth Southgate’s side against Belgium.
Before this, Mainoo had only played international football up to the U19 level. Initially named in the U21 squad for the month’s matches, he was quickly promoted to the senior side. Mainoo’s inclusion in the senior squad has been met with significant clamour, especially since he skipped the U21s due to Southgate’s decision to promote him directly from England’s U19s.
With injuries affecting several key players, including Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, and Sam Johnstone, Mainoo is set to start from the beginning against Belgium. This could lead to a substantial change in the England line-up, with Southgate aiming to end the international break on a high after England’s recent defeat against Brazil.
Key Facts
- Kobbie Mainoo, a Manchester United midfielder, is set to make his full international debut for England against Belgium on Tuesday.
- Mainoo, an 18-year-old, was brought off the bench in a friendly loss to Brazil for his first senior cap, making his maiden senior appearance before earning his Under-21s baptism.
- Despite not being included in England’s initial first-team squad for March’s friendlies, Mainoo was called up to Lee Carsley’s Young Lions for Euro 2025 qualifiers. He was promoted to the first-team ranks upon arrival at St George’s Park.
- Mainoo is expected to start in the three-man engine room for the showdown with Belgium, taking Conor Gallagher’s spot. He will be joined by Jude Bellingham and stand-in captain Declan Rice.
Alan Smith, a former England striker, has expressed confidence in Mainoo’s temperament for international football, noting his composure and ability to handle the pressure of playing at Wembley. Smith believes Mainoo’s performance against Brazil demonstrated his potential to make the step up to the senior team. He also highlighted Mainoo’s suitability for the central midfield position, where England currently lacks depth.
Kobbie Mainoo and Ben Chilwell are both in line to start for England this evening against Belgium at Wembley Stadium! ??????? pic.twitter.com/6zOHlaWjfx
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 26, 2024
Mainoo’s debut comes at a critical time for England, with the team looking to avoid a second consecutive defeat and prepare for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers. The match against Belgium is the final England game before Southgate names his long squad list for the Euros on Tuesday, May 21, two days after the Premier League season ends.
England will then play two more friendlies before the final 23-player squad has to be confirmed by June 8, with the tournament starting on June 14.
Mainoo’s performance for Manchester United this season has been impressive, with him making 23 appearances in his first full season for the club, scoring two goals. His inclusion in the England squad for the match against Belgium is a testament to his potential and the faith placed in him by Southgate and the England management.
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