Everyone’s raving about Kobbie Mainoo, but what the Liverpool man did last night was jaw-dropping.
But, aside from being thrilled if the Reds‘ international stars perform well, their main concern is that their players return to the AXA Training Centre injury-free.
Of course, fans might be outraged and defensive on behalf of Liverpool players who are neglected.
It did not go unnoticed that Manchester United‘s Kobbie Mainoo was quickly promoted from England’s under-21s to the senior team after receiving his first call-ups in the March international break, whereas Harvey Elliott remains neglected by Gareth Southgate.
“I’m not sure,” England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley said when asked how far Elliott is from a senior call-up.
“But if he’s playing week in, week out for Liverpool, scoring and assisting, being really important in that team, then he will put himself in the frame.”
Those who support the Reds would inevitably say, ‘Isn’t that what he’s already doing?’
In his last ten appearances for Jurgen Klopp‘s team, the 20-year-old has two goals and six assists.
The pedants will point out that he has one goal and one assist in eight Premier League appearances in 2024.
But after starting their past three games in the English top flight and playing 90 minutes twice, his effect is growing.
The March international break provided Southgate with his final opportunity to observe players up close ahead of this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
As a result, Mainoo has raised eyebrows after being awarded his international debut against Brazil on Saturday night, despite not having played a single minute for the Under-21s just days after his first Young Lions call-up.
He is still only 18 years old and has made 23 senior games for the Red Devils, making his entire Premier League debut last November.
Nonetheless, he is making a late rush to be on the plane to Germany.
So on a night when all eyes were on Wembley for Mainoo’s complete England debut against Belgium.
Elliott was in charge of the Under-21s’ most recent 2025 European Championships qualifier against Luxembourg at Bolton Wanderers‘ Toughsheet Community Stadium.
To be sure, the two midfielders have very distinct profiles. It is not the case that they are directly competing.
But it doesn’t stop Merseyside fans from wondering why the in-form Elliott, who has 152 senior club matches to his name, is being passed over once more as Southgate gives new opportunities elsewhere.
Mainoo would impress against Belgium as England battled to a 2-2 draw, bolstering his chances of making the travel to Germany.
But 211 miles away from Wembley, Elliott dominated in a 7-0 victory.
Leave a Comment