“The 18-year-old sensation has revolutionized Manchester United’s fortunes since bursting onto the scene, and the time has come for him to showcase his talent on the grand stage of a major tournament.
Ahead of every international competition, there’s a fervent desire to see the latest prodigy don the England jersey. Think back to Michael Owen in the 1998 World Cup, Wayne Rooney in Euro 2004, Phil Foden in the rescheduled Euro 2020, and Jude Bellingham before the last World Cup in Qatar.
With just four months remaining until England embarks on Euro 2024 as the frontrunners, it’s the perfect moment to advocate for a fresh face in the Three Lions squad, and the name resonating loudest is Kobbie Mainoo.
In the wake of Casemiro and Harry Maguire’s struggles against Luton Town, while Bruno Fernandes operated at full throttle, 18-year-old Mainoo showcased remarkable composure, dictating play with his nimble footwork and astute passing. He also intercepted the opposition’s most threatening attacks, playing a pivotal role in Erik ten Hag’s team clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Former England striker Ian Wright echoed widespread admiration for Mainoo’s performance.”
“Wright emphasized the necessity of including Kobbie Mainoo in the upcoming England squad,” wrote Wright on X. “His maturity in chaotic situations is unparalleled, a trait not witnessed in an England player for quite some time. I’m impressed every time I watch him.”
Wright’s assessment wasn’t hyperbolic; Mainoo’s consistent excellence extends beyond a single standout performance. Throughout the season, he’s been a standout performer for Manchester United, injecting optimism into Old Trafford and instilling genuine belief in the team’s ability to challenge for a top-four finish. Now, it’s time for him to showcase his talents on the global stage.
Mainoo’s impact on United’s fortunes has been transformative since his return to action in November after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an ankle injury sustained in preseason. Despite the buzz surrounding him during United’s tour of the United States and glimpses of his potential last season, his progress was hampered by a freak injury against Real Madrid.
Arriving back in the fold, Mainoo’s unexpected inclusion against Everton in late November proved pivotal. In his Premier League debut, he displayed remarkable maturity and skill, prompting Gary Neville to liken him more to a Manchester City player than one from United.
Since regaining full fitness, Mainoo has featured in 15 of United’s last 17 matches, coinciding with a notable upturn in results. Under Ten Hag’s guidance, the team has secured victory in eight out of 12 games where Mainoo played more than 45 minutes, suffering defeats only against Newcastle and West Ham, with draws against Tottenham and Liverpool.
His absence was glaring in the humiliating 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, and his substitution at half-time against Nottingham Forest correlated with United’s eventual 2-1 defeat. Since the start of the year, Mainoo has been an ever-present starter, contributing to six wins out of seven matches across all competitions.
He announced his presence on the score sheet with a powerful strike against Newport County, followed by a remarkable solo effort against Wolves in the 97th minute, salvaging two crucial points. His midfield dominance was evident against West Ham, immortalized in a photograph alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in United’s victory over Aston Villa, a match critical to the club’s top-four aspirations. His astute footwork in tight spaces allowed Diogo Dalot to find Scott McTominay, who headed in the winning goal.
Mainoo’s sparkling form stands in stark contrast to his competitors for a place in Southgate’s squad. Jordan Henderson’s career has taken a downturn since his controversial move to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, which drew significant criticism back home, especially given his prior support for the LGBTQ+ movement. The transfer proved disastrous both personally and for the team, with Al-Ettifaq winning just six out of 19 games during Henderson’s tenure.
Seeking a swift exit, the former Liverpool captain joined Ajax, but his arrival coincided with a slump in the Dutch giants’ performance. While Ajax had enjoyed success with seven wins out of nine games in December and January, they have failed to secure victory in their last four matches since Henderson’s inclusion, with the midfielder featuring for the full 90 minutes each time.
Despite Henderson’s extensive 15 years of experience compared to Mainoo, the current form favors the young Manchester United prodigy.
Mainoo unquestionably holds the advantage over Kalvin Phillips, who has endured a tumultuous time since departing Manchester City to join West Ham on loan.
Phillips’ stint with the Hammers got off to a disastrous start, conceding an early goal to Dominic Solanke less than three minutes into his debut against Bournemouth. His woes continued as he endured a torrid 45 minutes in the 6-0 drubbing by Arsenal and received a red card against Nottingham Forest after picking up two yellow cards within three minutes.
While Southgate is typically known for his loyalty to players during rough patches, this presents an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to rewarding current form. As Phillips and Henderson face challenges, Mainoo’s star is on the rise.
Considering Mainoo’s ability to stabilize a previously faltering United side, one can only imagine the impact he could have in an England squad brimming with world-class talent, particularly in midfield.
Declan Rice is spearheading Arsenal’s title pursuit with a display of complete midfield prowess, while Jude Bellingham has exceeded all expectations since joining Real Madrid, earning adoration from the discerning Madridistas.
Phil Foden has blossomed into an even more formidable player for Manchester City after transitioning to a central role, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s versatility is evident as he’s been included in England’s squad as a midfielder rather than a right-back in recent selections.
Add Conor Gallagher and Curtis Jones, who are enjoying standout seasons at Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, and Southgate finds himself with no shortage of options.
While Mainoo might not slot directly into England’s starting lineup due to this wealth of talent, he would offer a luxurious option off the bench in case of untimely injuries or the need for rotation. Opting for Mainoo over Phillips or Henderson would not only maintain but potentially elevate the standard of England’s midfield options.
Southgate has been closely monitoring Mainoo’s progress and was in attendance to witness his performance for United at Villa Park earlier this month. Despite facing jeers from home fans for overlooking Jacob Ramsey and not granting more starts to Ollie Watkins, Southgate remains under scrutiny from discontented supporters, despite England’s recent success, including reaching a World Cup semi-final and coming close to clinching the European Championship title.
However, Mainoo presents an opportunity for Southgate to demonstrate his willingness to take a chance on emerging talent. Having adeptly managed Bellingham, Southgate now finds himself with another exceptional talent in Mainoo, who will turn 19 in April. With the deadline looming for his final England squad ahead of the tournament, scheduled friendlies with Brazil and Belgium at Wembley provide an ideal opportunity for Mainoo to integrate into the squad and build rapport with his teammates ahead of the Euros, with less pressure than a competitive match would entail.
Notably, Mainoo has thrived in high-pressure situations, delivering standout performances at venues like Goodison Park, Anfield, and the challenging Kenilworth Road. Wembley should be his next destination, marking the initial step towards what promises to be a illustrious career with England.
Should Southgate overcome his conservative tendencies and take a leap of faith on the nation’s latest promising talent, Mainoo could play a pivotal role in helping England secure their first major trophy since 1966, potentially bringing the European Championship title home from Germany.