18 February 2024 , 18:48
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Gary Lineker and Ian Wright have both emphatically backed Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo for an England call-up.
Mainoo, 18, impressed yet again on Sunday during United's hard-fought 2-1 win away to Luton in the Premier League. England manager Gareth Southgate has already confirmed that the Three Lions are monitoring the Stockport-born midfielder's 'brilliant' progress.
Southgate will announce his next set of call-ups in the coming weeks ahead of friendlies with Brazil and Belgium at Wembley next month. Having played for various England youth teams, there's clamour for Mainoo to make the senior squad with a view to playing at Euro 2024 this summer, clamour which Lineker and Wright are part of.
"Kobbie Mainoo has to be in the next England squad," Wright posted on X (formerly Twitter ) during Sunday's end-to-end affair. "Such maturity in chaotic conditions that we've not seen from a England player in a long time. Impressed every time I watch him."
In response, Lineker posted: "Agreed. What a fabulous young player."
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It's not only Mainoo who Wright wants to see under Southgate either, as ex-United midfielder Angel Gomes, who came through the club's famous academy, is impressing at French side Lille. "Equally not seeing enough love and flowers for Angel Gomes and what he's consistently doing at Lille in the centre of midfield," the Arsenal legend added.
"Another top performance yesterday. Call him up and have a look at him." Separately, Wright tweeted: "His growth is great to see. Backed himself as well. An example to a lot of talented players just staying in academies."
Your turn! Do you agree with Ian Wright and Gary Lineker? Join the debate in the comments section.
Angel Gomes is also an option for England (Franco Arland/Getty Images)Southgate is certainly aware of Gomes' talents, with the 23-year-old playmaker having captained England at youth level. And the Three Lions boss has been impressed with Mainoo's performances since he became a nailed-on starter for United over the festive period.
Speaking at the Nations League draw in Paris last week, Southgate remarked: "I think Mainoo is doing brilliantly for a young player. He's had an excellent start for Manchester United. I'm not certain he's necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He's quite a progressive player, but he's had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward."
Southgate faces competition for his allegiance, though, as Ghana are reportedly keen to acquire Mainoo's services at international level. Both of his parents are Ghanaian, meaning that he'd be eligible to represent the Black Stars.