Kobbie Mainoo In Line For His First England Start Against Belgium
Written By Albert Echatah
In England’s friendly match against Belgium on Tuesday at Wembley, Kobbie Mainoo may get his first start; Gareth Southgate is quite impressed with the Manchester United youngster.
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The 18-year-old was initially left out of the Three Lions lineup, but after an outstanding performance in United’s FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Liverpool, he was elevated from the Under-21s.
A number of injury concerns have also been worrying England, and Jordan Henderson, who missed several training sessions last week due to a muscular issue, won’t play against Belgium.
Mainoo is now in line for his entire debut after coming off the bench in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil. The teenager has left a lasting impression on Southgate in the last week.
Southgate added: ‘Kobbie is still developing. In terms of progress into our squad, he is benefitting because we are not as rich in resources in that area. But we are really happy to see how he has dealt with training, and we see things he can bring already.
‘But I am mindful that we have to look after him and make sure his development is at the right speed but the opportunities are there as well.’
In the absence of several senior players, Declan Rice, who is earning his 50th cap, will captain England against Belgium, giving Ivan Toney an opportunity to shine up front.
Read Also – 7 Most Beautiful Women’s Football Players at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Meanwhile…
Manchester United have announced that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s official 27.7% takeover of the team in exchange for a £1.3 billion agreement has now been completed.
Ratcliffe said: ‘To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility.
‘This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans. Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.’
(metro.co)
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