England manager Gareth Southgate made the decision not to include Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, despite Mainoo’s impressive performances this season.
The Three Lions have one more mid-season window before the European Championships in Germany this summer, but Southgate opted to call Mainoo up to the England Under-21 setup for the first time instead of the senior squad.
While fans may question why Mainoo was overlooked in favor of players like Jordan Henderson, Southgate has a strategy behind his decision to nurture young talent.
There is a concern that England could face a midfield dilemma similar to the Steven Gerrard-Frank Lampard era if not managed properly, with players like Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham evolving into more attacking roles.
Southgate’s midfield pivot at the 2022 World Cup showed promise, but changes in player roles since then indicate the need for a more balanced midfield setup.
Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid has elevated his status as a Ballon d’Or candidate, requiring Southgate to find the right balance in the team dynamics to maximize his potential alongside players like Harry Kane.
Rice’s growth at Arsenal has also added a new dimension to his game, suggesting a deeper midfield role for England, but not at the expense of his attacking contributions.
In the long run, England may benefit from another defensive midfielder like Mainoo, but it’s important not to rush his development at this stage.
Mainoo has impressed at Manchester United, but it’s crucial to manage his growth and avoid burnout considering his young age.
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Mainoo’s workload has been monitored by his coach to prevent fatigue and ensure his long-term development is not jeopardized.
There is a possibility Mainoo could be included in the Euro 2024 squad, following a similar trajectory to Bellingham’s early involvement with the national team.
However, there is competition from Ghana for Mainoo’s allegiance, emphasizing the importance of a clear development plan within the England setup.
For now, Mainoo’s focus should be on gradual progression with the England U21s before making the leap to the senior team.
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