Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United has been called up to the senior England team for the friendlies against Belgium and Brazil. The 18-year-old midfielder was first selected for the under-21 team and then joined Gareth Southgate’s senior group on Tuesday.

Former under-17 and under-19 international Mainoo has made an amazing comeback in 20 games despite suffering an ιnjury during the preseason that prevented him from starting the campaign. In an attempt to secure a spot in the Euro 2024 roster, he reported for duty at St George’s Park alongside 25 other players.

While he was with the Under-21 team, he received a text message from Steve Holland, the assistant manager for England, instructing him to meet him in the reception. I was called up, he just informed me. Though I don’t think it’s fully clicked yet, I’m thrilled. Everyone in [my family] is enthused. He wrote on Instagram, “It’s an honor.”

Mainoo, who was born in Stockport and is eligible to play for Ghana, has received praise from supporters, teammates, and analysts since making his Premier League debut this season, the 3-0 victory against Everton in November. One of Erik ten Hag’s most pressing issues has been resolved by his emergence as a starting midfielder, pushing considerably more seasoned players to the sidelines.

Christian Eriksen, who was recently utilized off the bench, told the Danish newspaper Tipsbladet, “Kobbie is doing well, and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places.”

During the February Nations League draw, Southgate stated of Mainoo, “He’s doing brilliantly.” It’s uncertain whether he will function as a defensive midfielder per se. Although he’s a very advanced player, it will be wise to keep an eye on him given his great professional debut.

Mainoo will be hoping to make his debut on Tuesday against Belgium or on Saturday when England plays Brazil. With his call-up, the teenager becomes a late contender for a spot in Southgate’s midfield, where there are still a lot of unanswered questions. ­Jordan Henderson left Saudi Arabian football to join Ajax in January with the goal of keeping his England spot, while Conor Gallagher of Chelsea is also making a move with strong club play.

While Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have established themselves as Southgate’s mainstays, Mason Mount, who has only recently returned to action for United following an ιnjury, and Kalvin Phillips, who has been left out of the squad for these friendlies due to his poor performance while on loan at West Ham, will compete with Mainoo for a spot in the Euro 2024 squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold is an additional midfield option; he is also sidelined due to ιnjury.