Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo has revealed his shock at being handed his first senior England call-up.
The midfielder, who has burst onto the scene this season, was originally called into Lee Carsley’s Under 21 party – but was handed a promotion into Gareth Southgate’s squad on Tuesday ahead of the games against Brazil and Belgium.
The 18-year-old, who is also eligible for Ghana, will now stake his claim for a surprise place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
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]. 
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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
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Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka also welcomed Mainoo into the senior squad at St George’s Park
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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 junior level but hasn’t been capped at either under-20 or under-21.
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.
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.
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Mainoo has only represented England’s Under 17 and Under 19 sides in the past
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Southgate has called upon the youngster despite initially leaving him out of their plans
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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.