Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has impressed to such an extent that he is being considered for a call-up to the senior England squad, with Gareth Southgate reportedly keeping a close eye on his breakthrough season. The 18-year-old has cemented himself in Erik ten Hag's midfield in recent months amid an upturn in form at Old Trafford.
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The Daily Mail claim that amid concerns in midfield, Southgate is keeping tabs on Mainoo and two other uncapped midfielders in James Garner and Harrison Reed ahead of March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Southgate has remained loyal to the likes of Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips, but difficult seasons for both have prompted calls for a new generation of English midfielders to be integrated into the squad ahead of this summer's European Championships.
West Ham's James Ward-Prowse also remains in contention for a recall, despite his last England appearance coming two years ago, as Southgate looks at several names to feature alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
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Phillips and Henderson headed to West Ham and Ajax respectively in January but neither have enjoyed the starts that they would have been hoping for as they fight for their international futures.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has often been used in midfield but a reoccurrence of his knee injury puts his participation in doubt for England next month, with Southgate now assessing the uncapped trio of Mainoo, Garner and Reed.
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Mainoo has been primed for a call-up to the England Under-21s next month rather than a promotion to the senior team, but Southgate may want a closer eye on the teenager in his own squad with limited time to experiment before the Euros.
Garner and Reed are viewed as back-up options currently but with a handful of games still to come before the March internationals, should their impressive performances for Everton and Fulham respectively continue then Southgate's hand may be forced.
Meanwhile, Southgate also has concerns over his goalkeeping position, with Nick Pope injured and the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone not playing regularly for their clubs. Rangers stopper Jack Butland could be handed a surprise recall.
