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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

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

Mainoo was included in England’s squad for friendlies vs Brazil and BelgiumThe Three Lions host Brazil at Wembley on Saturday night  Ben White will regret turning down England if they go on to win the Euros – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

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 called into Lee Carsley’s Under-21 team- but was handed a promotion into the senior squad ahead of the games against Brazil and Belgium.

Mainoo reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday and was then pictured in training alongside Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford.

Earlier, the 18-year-old greeted United defender Harry Maguire and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as the squad checked in at their Staffordshire base ahead of the Wembley double-header.

Speaking 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 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

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)

The 18-year-old was pictured alongside Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford (right)

Mainoo admitted the reality of being called up to the England senior side was yet to sink in

Mainoo admitted the reality of being called up to the England senior side was yet to sink in 

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‘He told me to come to meet him in the reception and just told me that I’ve been called up and that I’m going to be with the squad for the week.

‘I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet but I’m excited for the week.’

The teenager has previously represented England at U17 through to U19 level – but is yet to be capped at U20 or U21 level.

Mail Sport reported last month that he was planning to keep his international options open amid interest from Ghana, which he is eligible to represent through his parents.

Ghana FA Board member Randy Abbey telling The Times that they are hopeful of persuading Mainoo to switch his allegiance to the Black Stars.

However, those hopes have faded as England have swooped in offered the Stockport-born teenager a 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 suffered last week, and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Ivan Toney also trained at St George’s Park on Tuesday, after receiving his first call-up following the completion of his eight-month ban for breaching the FA’s 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

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 the completion of his eight-month betting ban for breaching the FA's betting rules

Ivan Toney trained with England for the first time since the completion of his eight-month betting ban for breaching the FA’s 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) were on opposite sides in training on Tuesday afternoon

Manchester City duo Phil Foden (left) and John Stones (right) were on opposite sides in training on Tuesday afternoon 

The Brentford striker has scored four goals in nine Premier League appearances 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’s yet to be seen what Kane’s involvement will be.

They will then begin their next UEFA Nations League campaign with matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland in September. 

There are yet to be any withdrawals from the current squad, but vice captain and senior midfielder Jordan Henderson was substituted in some discomfort when playing for Ajax at the weekend. 


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