Football
Gareth Southgate explains Kobbie Mainoo England U-turn
Gareth Southgate has admitted he ultimately decided Kobbie Mainoo was ready for a senior England call-up after adding the Manchester United midfielder to his squad late on.
Southgate publicly rejected calls for Mainoo to be named in his original squad for this month's international break, arguing the 18-year-old did not yet boast the necessary experience in senior Football to make that next step.
Just days later, however, Southgate switched his chance by promoting Mainoo from the Under-21 setup, and he was asked to explain his change of heart in Friday's press conference.
"We've been blessed with St George's Park being built. Some of our Under-17s have come over to work with us this week. You get a club feel," Southgate began.
"With Kobbie, I said last week we were conscious about how quickly we should go. You need to make the right steps at the right time with players. For us he was the next player in. We didn't want to stop that from happening.
"He's fitted in brilliantly. His level of training has been excellent - we won't hesitate to put him on the pitch."
Mainoo could now make his England debut on Saturday when the Three Lions take on Brazil at Wembley Stadium.
Another friendly, this time against Belgium, is also on the cards for England on Tuesday, giving Mainoo plenty of time to earn his first cap for his country.
After learning of his call-up, Mainoo admitted he is aiming to convince Southgate to give him the nod for this summer's European Championships - a "dream" which could easily be realised if the 18-year-old maintains his excellent form at club level.
READ MORE OF THE LATEST ENGLAND NEWS, QUOTES & MATCH PREVIEWS
-
Football1h ago
Matt O’Riley Takes To Instagram After Celtic POTY Clean Sweep
-
Football1h ago
Stan Petrov Lauds Matt O’Riley’s Derby “Masterclass” But Takes Hilarious Penalty Stance
-
Football1h ago
Lewis Koumas shines as top scorer but Liverpool U21s’ season ends in heartbreak
-
Football1h ago
Liverpool FC team news vs. Aston Villa – Injuries and available squad
-
Football1h ago
Predictions for UEFA Champions League final, Europa League final, Conference League final
-
Football2h ago
How much Real Madrid will accept for Andriy Lunin amid links to Celtic
-
Football2h ago
American reporter makes Cameron Carter-Vickers claim Celtic fans will love
-
Football3h ago
“Subestimamos al Atleti...”