Kobbie Mainoo: The Rising Star Ready to Replace Kalvin Phillips in the England Squad
Manchester United’s rising star, Kobbie Mainoo, is making waves in the football world and could potentially replace Manchester City’s underperforming midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, in the England squad. With a series of impressive performances this season, Mainoo has caught the attention of both fans and experts alike. The 18-year-old wonderkid, who emerged from United’s esteemed academy, has been compared to legendary players such as Paul Scholes and Clarence Seedorf.
Mainoo is yet to receive his first senior call-up for England, but according to reports from the Daily Mail, Gareth Southgate is closely monitoring his progress. This comes as concerns grow over Phillips’ recent form. The England national team is set to face tough opponents in Brazil and Belgium next month, and Southgate is considering including Mainoo in the squad. Alongside Mainoo, uncapped duo James Garner from Everton and Harrison Reed from Fulham are also being considered for call-ups.
The main reason for Southgate’s scrutiny is Phillips’ struggles while on loan at West Ham. Since joining the club in the January transfer window, Phillips has failed to make a significant impact. In fact, an error just three minutes into his West Ham debut resulted in a goal for AFC Bournemouth, leading to him being dropped for the next game against Mainoo’s team.
Phillips’ troubles continued as he was booked after coming on as a substitute at half-time during a 6-0 defeat against Arsenal. He was then sent off in the subsequent defeat to Nottingham Forest last Saturday. These performances have raised doubts about Phillips’ ability to maintain his place in the England squad.
Despite his recent struggles, Southgate has been a fan of Phillips, who has earned 31 caps since his debut in 2020. However, with Mainoo’s rise to prominence, the Manchester City midfielder’s position is now under serious threat. Prior to his loan spell at West Ham, Phillips struggled to secure regular game time at City under Pep Guardiola, which led to his move from Leeds United in 2022.
As the England national team prepares for upcoming matches against Brazil and Belgium, the spotlight is on Kobbie Mainoo. With his impressive performances and comparisons to football legends, Mainoo has the potential to make a significant impact on the international stage. Only time will tell if he can fulfill his promise and secure his first senior call-up for England.