Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has opened up on an important text message he received ahead of his call-up to the England senior team.
Kobbie Mainoo has had a breakout season at Old Trafford, with the 18-year-old Manchester United star impressing both fans and pundits with his performances.
The United player has become a key midfield presence for Erik ten Hag, who has praised Mainoo’s development since he emerged from the United academy.
Mainoo has represented England Under-17s, England Under-18s and England Under-19s, but he was tipped to make the senior international team.
The Stockport-born player’s impressive performances caught the eye of Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who urged Gareth Southgate to call him up for England.
Despite his youth career at England, United talent Mainoo is eligible to represent Ghana at international level due to his family’s heritage.
The Ghana FA had previously shown interest in Mainoo and had been keen for the Red Devils star to commit his future to the Black Stars ahead of England.
Man Utd star Mainoo talks text message
England manager Gareth Southgate had initially snubbed Kobbie Mainoo from the Three Lions squad during the March international break.
The Three Lions boss broke his silence and explained the reason why, despite a baffled reaction from the footballing world over his decision to leave Mainoo out.
Despite initially being left out of the Three Lions squad, Mainoo was called up to the England Under-21s squad for the first time in his playing career.
Following his impressive performance in United’s stunning FA Cup win over Liverpool, Mainoo has now secured his place in the England senior team.
England boss Southgate made a U-turn on his previous snub of Mainoo and the United star linked up with the Three Lions squad on Tuesday.
Mainoo has revealed that he found out about his England call-up after receiving a text message from Steve Holland, who is assistant manager to Southgate.
Speaking to the England account on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “It’s a bit different. I mean, I got called up to the Under-21s and then got a text from Steve Holland [England’s assistant manager].
“He told me to come and meet him in the reception [at St George’s Park] and he just told me that I’ve been called up and that I’m going to be with the squad for the week.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, but yes, I’m excited.”
England boss Southgate on Mainoo
Mainoo was spotted at St George’s Park after he linked up with his new England teammates ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Southgate had praised Mainoo’s remarkable season at Old Trafford this season, but he explained why he initially decided to leave the United star out in the first place.
“I think that he’s doing brilliantly for a young player and we’re never slow to put a young payer into the seniors, but he’s only had a handful of games and you have to be very careful, development-wise, in making those decisions at the right time,” he said.
“We think, ideally, we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed.
“He’s not at the point in terms of number of games that Jude [Bellingham] or Bukayo [Saka] were when they came in for the first time.
“But, I repeat, he’s doing really well for a young player. He’s a good footballer, you can see that, and he’s getting some fabulous experience at Manchester United at the moment and looks a really good character.”