Soccer-Man Utd's Mainoo gets first England call-up

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has received his first England senior call-up ahead of their two friendlies, the national team said on Tuesday, after the youngster's impressive run at the Premier League club. The 18-year-old, who was initially part of the Under-21s squad for this month's U-21 Euro 2025 qualifiers, has been drafted into manager Gareth Southgate's team for matches at Wembley against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has received his first England senior call-up ahead of their two friendlies, the national team said on Tuesday, after the youngster's impressive run at the Premier League club.

The 18-year-old, who was initially part of the Under-21s squad for this month's U-21 Euro 2025 qualifiers, has been drafted into manager Gareth Southgate's team for matches at Wembley against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26. Mainoo is a graduate of United's youth academy and has made 14 appearances for the Old Trafford side in the Premier League this season.

"It's an honour to receive my first senior call-up," Mainoo posted on Instagram. Mainoo, who has represented England at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 levels, reported to St. George's Park on Tuesday.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon were also handed their first international call-ups by Southgate last week

.