‘He has to be’… Alan Shearer now makes big claim about Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo

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Alan Shearer believes Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo could be in line for a surprise England call-up ahead of Euro 2024.

Kobbie Mainoo continues to impress for Manchester United and has nailed down his place in Erik ten Hag’s midfield. 

The 18-year-old made his full Premier League debut at Goodison Park back in November and hasn’t looked back since. Mainoo has already netted two goals for United and it’s fair to say he’s playing with a maturity well beyond his years. 

Gary Lineker recently lauded the midfielder as a ‘brilliant’ prospect off the back of his impressive displays for United.

Now, Alan Shearer has claimed that Mainoo will surely be in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts ahead of Euro 2024.

Shearer makes big claim about Mainoo’s England hopes

Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Shearer discussed Mainoo’s recent form and made a claim about his England hopes.

“Very, very good player,” Shearer said of Mainoo. “The pressure that comes with playing for such a huge football club and the way he has just come in and just handled it so easily has to be a great positive. He has to be in his [Southgate’s] thoughts.”

On current form, you’d have to say that Mainoo deserves a call-up to Southgate’s squad.

Kalvin Phillips has endured a torrid start to life at West Ham while Jordan Henderson is still adjusting to life at Ajax after his January switch.

But as we’ve seen so many times in the past, Southgate has been reluctant to move away from his trusted players.

Phillips and Henderson certainly fall into that category, which could ultimately affect Mainoo’s chances of receiving a deserved call-up. 

The same could be said for Luton Town’s Ross Barkley, who impressed once again yesterday despite United picking up a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road. 

It will be intriguing to see if Mainoo catches Southgate’s eye ahead of the summer and you’d like to think that his recent displays are at least giving the England boss food for thought.