Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is set to make his first start for England when they host Belgium on Tuesday.
Mainoo made his debut for England’s senior side in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Brazil, producing a composed performance upon replacing Conor Gallagher from the bench for the final 15 minutes.
With West Ham loanee Kalvin Phillips struggling for minutes and Jordan Henderson representing an out-of-form Ajax side after spending the first half of the season with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq, many supporters have called for the 18-year-old to be thrown into Gareth Southgate’s starting lineup.
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Mainoo was initially called up to Lee Carsley’s under-21 squad earlier this month, only to be promoted to the senior setup after starring in United’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool.
On Tuesday, widespread reports suggested Mainoo will be named in England’s starting XI when they welcome Belgium to Wembley, alongside stand-in captain Declan Rice.
🆙 next for our #ThreeLions…
🆚 Belgium
⚽️️An @alzheimerssoc International
🏟 @wembleystadium
🕗 7.45pm (UK)
📺 @Channel4 pic.twitter.com/q80jYratmi— England (@England) March 26, 2024
With Harry Kane returning to Bayern Munich after sustaining an ankle injury, Ivan Toney is also set to start in place of Ollie Watkins, who struggled throughout Saturday’s defeat to the Selecao.
Southgate is fighting a mounting injury list ahead of Tuesday’s match, with Kane joining Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, Sam Johnstone, Bukayo Saka, Luke Shaw and Trent Alexander-Arnold in missing out.
