ENGLAND fans have a bizarre theory about why Gareth Southgate called up Kobbie Mainoo after the pair were spotted chatting together.
Despite initially getting the nod for the U21s, Manchester United’s latest star was put straight into the senior squad after arriving at St George’s Park.
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Mainoo, 18, has been sensational since forcing his way into Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.
The midfielder has already racked up 20 games for his boyhood club.
And a Three Lions debut now looks likely against either Brazil or Belgium.
However, some fans reckon there was another reason Southgate fancied bringing Mainoo into his set-up.
The England manager’s contract expires later this year.
And he has emerged as the favourite to take charge at Manchester United this summer.
With Mainoo only turning 19 next month, he is sure to have a long and successful career at the Theatre of Dreams.
And fans reckon Southgate called him up to England’s senior squad as they may be about to work together at United.
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He and Mainoo were pictured sat together at St George’s Park deep in conversation.
Supporters joked about what Southgate may have been saying to his latest ace.
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Mainoo’s breakthrough
KOBBIE Mainoo has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last year, going from academy prospect to one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s team-sheet in just 15 months.
January 10, 2023 – Makes full debut for Man Utd at Old Trafford in 3-0 win over Charlton in the Carabao Cup.
February 19, 2023 – Comes on for the final ten minutes in a 3-0 home win over Leicester for his first Premier League action.
July 27, 2023 – After looking at home in the starting line-up in United’s opening pre-season games the youngster limps off with an injury just minutes into clash with Real Madrid.
November 26, 2023 – Has to wait four months to return before being handed first Premier League start away to Everton in a 3-0 win.
November 29, 2023 – Makes Champions League debut, coming on for the final 32 minutes in a 3-3 draw away to Galatasaray.
January 28, 2024 – Scores first senior United goal, sweeping home from just inside the box in a 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup.
February 1, 2024 – Follows first goal up with stunning 97th-minute winner in rollercoaster 4-3 win at Wolves.
March 17, 2024 – Ian Wright and other ex-pros question Mainoo’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad after stunning performance against Liverpool.
March 19, 2024 – Handed first senior England call-up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
One said: “’Can’t wait to manage you next season’.”
Another joked: “’Did you see that clip of Hendo’s pressing abilities?’”
One noted: “’When I take Ten Hag’s job, do you think you’ll be able to handle playing in front of a back three?’”
Another added: “’Listen, Henderson will start ahead of you unless you tell Ineos to give me the United job, then you can come to the Euros.”
Even the son of United legend Paul Scholes got in on the action.
Arron Scholes laughed: “’Find a new club, I’m signing Kalvin Phillips in the summer’.”
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Gareth Southgate’s managerial career
Here is how Southgate’s managerial career has unfolded:
June 2006: Joins Middlesbrough on a five-year deal after Steve McClaren left to become England manager
May 2007: Guided Boro to a 12th place finish in his first season in Premier League management
May 2008: Boro finish 13th and beat Man City 8-1 on the final day as Arsene Wenger labels Southgate “good enough” to coach England
May 2009: Boro are relegated on the final day after defeat to West Ham but Southgate stayed on as boss
October 2009: Southgate sacked by Boro despite the club sitting just one point adrift of top spot in the Championship
August 2013: Succeeds Stuart Pearce as England U21s manager
June 2015: England U21s finish bottom of their European Championship group with just one point from three games
September 2016: Southgate takes temporary charge of England’s senior side following Sam Allardyce’s dismissal
November 2016: Appointed England boss on a four-year contract
July 2018: Guides England to the World Cup semi-finals – their first journey to the last four since Euro 96
July 2021: England reach their first major final since 1966 but lose to Italy on penalties at Wembley
November 2021: Signs a new contract to keep him as England boss until December 2024
December 2022: Reaches the World Cup quarter-finals before England are beaten by France