Manchester United’s 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will join Gareth Southgate’s Squad that will play Brazill and Belgium in the upcoming friendlies.

The youngster was initially selected for the England U-21 team, but Southgate Changed his mind following Mainoo’s performance during the Manchester United FA Cup clash with Liverpool.

During this, the Red Devils secured a 4-3 against the Reds to proceed to the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup to book a date with Coventry.

Mainoo has represented England in the U17 and U19 and could play for the senior team without having played for the U21.

Gareth Southgate praised Mainoo as he addressed his decision to initially decision to leave the Man United Midfielder out of the 26-man squad.

“I think Kobbie is doing brilliantly for a young player,

“We’re never slow to put a young player into the seniors, but he’s only had a handful of games. You have to be careful in making those decisions at the right time, and ideally, we should allow him the space to develop at his speed. Said Southgate.

England host Brazil on March 23 before facing Belgium three days later at Wembley in their final games before Southgate names his provisional squad for the tournament in Germany.

Southgate’s men, who were defeated finalists at the European Championship in 2021, are among the favourites to win this year’s tournament in Germany.

Also, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon received their first call-ups to the England squad.

ALSO READ: Manchester United employees sue the club for leaking their data