Kobbie Mainoo trains with England for the first time since being promoted to senior squad by Gareth Southgate… with Man United youngster joined by Three Lions debutants Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite
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Kobbie Mainoo trained with England for the first time after being called up by Gareth Southgate on Tuesday.
The midfielder, who has burst onto the scene this season, was originally included in Lee Carsley’s Under-21 squad but was promoted to the first team ahead of the games against Brazil and Belgium.
Mainoo reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday and was subsequently photographed alongside Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford during training.
The 18-year-old previously greeted the United defender Harry Maguire And Arsenal‘S Bukayo Saka as the team checked into their base in Staffordshire ahead of the Wembley double-header.
Outside St George’s Park, 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 (Southgate’s assistant).
Kobbie Mainoo trained with England for the first time on Tuesday after being called up
The 18-year-old was pictured alongside Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford (right)
Mainoo admitted the reality of his England senior call-up had yet to sink in
“He told me to come and meet him at the reception and just told me I’ve been drafted and I’ll be with the team for a week.
“I don’t think it has really sunk in yet, but I’m looking forward to the week.”
The teenager has previously represented England at U17 to U19 level but is yet to be capped at U20 or U21 level.
Mail Sport reported last month that he planned to keep his international options open amid interest from Ghana, which he represents through his parents.
Ghana FA board member Randy Abbey tells The Times they hope to convince Mainoo to switch his allegiance to the Black Stars.
However, those hopes have faded as England have offered the Stockport-born teenager the chance to make his senior international debut later this month.
Mainoo was joined in training by fellow Three Lions debutants Anthony Gordon, who has recovered from a knee injury he sustained last week. and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Ivan Toney also trained at St George’s Park on Tuesday after receiving his first call-up after completing his eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez was back with the Three Lions for the first time in four years after impressing for Liverpool this season.
Fellow Three Lions debutants Jarrad Branthwaite (left) and Anthony Gordon (right) also trained at St George’s Park on Tuesday
Ivan Toney trained with England for the first time since completing his eight-month betting ban for breaching FA betting rules
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is back in the England squad for the first time in four years
Manchester City duo Phil Foden (left) and John Stones (right) stood on either side during training on Tuesday afternoon
The Brentford forward has scored four goals in nine Premier League games for the Bees since returning to action in January.
England have friendlies against Brazil and Belgium before warm-up games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in June, but it remains to be seen what Kane’s involvement will be.
They will then start their next UEFA Nations League campaign with matches against Ireland and Finland in September.
There have been no withdrawals from the current squad yet, but vice-captain and senior midfielder Jordan Henderson was substituted with some discomfort this weekend while playing for Ajax.