sport news Kobbie Mainoo reveals how he found out about his England promotion after Gareth ... trends now Mainoo, 18, has been added to the England squad by Gareth Southgate Man United starlet was welcomed to St George's Park by his new team-mates Erik ten Hag WON'T survive at Man United beyond the end of the season even if he lifts the FA Cup - It's All Kicking Off podcast By Adam Shergold Published: 16:43 GMT, 19 March 2024 | Updated: 16:55 GMT, 19 March 2024 1 Viewcomments Kobbie Mainoo has revealed his excitement at being promoted to the senior England squad as he linked up with his new Three Lions team-mates at St George's Park. The Manchester United midfielder, 18, was initially named in the England under-21 group but has now been drafted into Gareth Southgate's squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Mainoo wasn't called up to replace an injured player from the original 25 selected, suggesting Southgate has picked him entirely on merit. He was pictured greeting United team-mate 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, Mainoo 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's Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire welcomes the youngster into the England senior set-up after Gareth Southgate promoted him from the under-21s Arsenal's Bukayo Saka also welcomed Mainoo into the senior squad at St George's Park Mainoo is an addition to Southgate's squad as opposed to replacing someone who is injured '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.' Mainoo added his family are all 'buzzing' after his promotion. The midfielder has previously represented England at under-17 through to under-19 level, but hasn't been capped at under-20 or under-21. Mail Sport reported last month that Mainoo was planning to keep his international options open amid interest from Ghana. The Stockport-born player would qualify for Ghana through his parents, with 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 teenager a chance to make his senior international debut later this month. Under FIFA eligibility rules, a player can change their nationality at any time if they have only played in friendlies, while those aged under 21 can also switch after three years if they have played fewer than three competitive matches. Mainoo has only represented England's Under-17 and Under-19 sides in the past Southgate has called upon the youngster despite initially leaving him out of their plans Mainoo impressed once again as United stunned rivals Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup on Sunday Mainoo has made 20 appearance for United this season, including their dramatic 4-3 win over rivals Liverpool in their FA Cup quarter-final clash. The senior side play Brazil on Saturday and Belgium next Tuesday to continue preparations for this summer's European Championship in Germany. Meanwhile, the under-21s have European Championship qualifiers away to Azerbaijan on Friday and at home to Luxembourg - played at Bolton - next Tuesday. Read more: Share or comment on this article: Kobbie Mainoo reveals how he found out about his England promotion after Gareth Southgate recognised his stellar Man United form... as Harry Maguire and Bukayo Saka welcome him into the senior fold All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility