Louis Saha has warned Gareth Southgate that it is too early to bring Kobbie Mainoo to the Euros.
Euro 2024 takes place this summer and Mainoo’s emergence at Manchester United as one of their best performing players has led to speculation that England manager Southgate could conclude him in the national team squad.
Aged just 18, Mainoo has impressed former United striker Saha but he warned that the rate of development expected from the teenager, and the pressure he is under, should not be underestimated.
He told Betfred: “It’s difficult to say who he compares to because he has his own style. I’m impressed by his composure considering how young he is. I think that kind of pressure, because a lot of people are asking for character in the midfield, especially with Casemiro now playing alongside him, he’s going to improve so much and very quickly, so it’s great for him.
“He has to take it game by game without others asking too much of him because he has to be protected. The pressure is obviously on his back and it’s good for him, but he has to keep his cool and improve his game knowledge by playing games alongside Manchester United’s biggest players.
“I’m sure Gareth Southgate is already looking at him but I think it’s too early for him to be seriously considered for the Euros as he has only played a handful of games. It doesn’t protect the young lad as sometimes things like this can damage young players and their capacity to grow and understand the game. Of course, Manchester United is a beast and it’s the best platform to jump into the national team straightaway, but it’s not that easy.
“We’ve seen what those things have done to the likes of Marcus Rashford, for example. When you are raising the roof at that age, it’s not easy to maintain that level because you have tremendous competition and pressure, so Kobbie has to take it step by step.”
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