Jill Scott and Roy Keane assess Mainoo’s England chances for Euro 2024
Kobbie Mainoo has been earning rave reviews for his performances for Manchester United this season.
The 18-year-old has already established himself as a key member of Erik ten Hag’s team, making 20 appearances across all competitions.
His club performances have earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Mainoo will do his best to impress the English boss in the hope of boosting his chances of being selected for the 2024 European Championship.
However, former women’s footballer Jill Scott doesn’t believe Southgate will play him in Germany.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Jill said: “I don’t think so because you have also got Trent (Alexander-Arnold) who can go in there – you have got (Phil) Foden who can play in there.
“I don’t think they trust him to go in and start.”
However, Roy Keane believes Southgate could pick him for the Euros.
He said: “Well, the timing could be right – he is lucky in terms of the timing because obviously (Kalvin) Phillips is having a difficult time and Jordan Henderson is getting a bit older.
“So, maybe that timing, and the best thing is when you get a player into your camp as you know at international football – okay he is doing well at United but have a look at him closely with the other international players.
“We have all done that. When Wayne (Rooney) came through – you look at a young player when you get to see him close up you go ‘I like what I see’. It could happen.”
Mainoo will likely make his international debut this weekend. If the youngster shines for the Three Lions, Southgate will find it hard to ignore him for the European Championship.
However, he is unlikely to be a starter for Southgate, given he tends to stick with his tried and trusted options.