IAN WRIGHT was left baffled over Kobbie Mainoo’s omission from the England squad.
The former Arsenal and Three Lions legend was on punditry duty as Manchester United knocked Liverpool out the FA Cup yesterday.
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Erik ten Hag’s side won 4-3 thanks to a last-gasp winner from Amad Diallo.
Despite the winger stealing the headlines, Wright focused his praise on Mainoo.
The 18-year-old midfielder impressed during his 80 minutes on the pitch and the retired striker believes he should be handed his international debut in upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Wright took aim at manager Gareth Southgate, saying: “How’s Kobbie Mainoo not in that England squad?
“Come on man, come on, man was immense today.”
Wright also turned to Roy Keane and asked him the same question, with his response not heard in the clip.
Instead of Mainoo, Southgate selected Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher and Jordan Henderson as his central midfielders.
Fans agreed that the teenager wonderkid should be in the squad, with one saying: “Southgate will be thinking why he didn’t choose him.”
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Another added: “Mainoo definitely deserves a spot. The man was on fire yesterday.”
More commented: “Mainoo is talent, he should be in that England squad.”
Should he not make the cut soon, the player could decide to switch allegiances to Ghana.
He has represented England at Under-16, 18 and 19 level.
The FA are said to be confident of retaining his services but have not been given any guarantees.
