Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has set his sights on earning a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad after an unexpected call-up to the senior team.
Mainoo, 18, initially named in the under-21s squad, received a promotion to Gareth Southgate’s senior side for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley.
Expressing his feelings about the rapid turn of events, Mainoo told BBC Radio 5 Live’s John Murray, “I was shocked and happy. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, a pretty mad couple of days.”
Having grown up in Stockport, Mainoo made his first Premier League start for Manchester United in November, swiftly establishing himself as a regular under manager Erik ten Hag. His dramatic 97th-minute winner against Wolves on February 1 further highlighted his impact.
Reflecting on his journey to the top level, Mainoo remarked, “I had to adapt quickly to the Premier League. Obviously, it’s very demanding physically and mentally, so it’s been tough. But I feel like I’ve found my feet a bit now and I’m enjoying it.”
Despite the rapid pace of games at Manchester United, Mainoo expressed his excitement about joining the England squad, describing the experience as amazing.
Looking ahead, Mainoo acknowledged the European Championship in Germany as his ultimate goal for the season, stating, “I think that’s the end goal for the season, to get into that squad. But obviously, I’ve got to focus on club football in the meantime, and hopefully that’ll figure itself out.”
