Man Utd wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo called up to England senior squad for first time after majestic performance in FA Cup classic against Liverpool

Gareth Southgate has responded to the widespread clamour for the teenager to be brought into the England setup, with the Three Lions announcing that he will be part of the squad for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Mainoo turned in a star performance as Erik ten Hag's United beat Liverpool 4-3 in an instant classic FA Cup quarter-final encounter on Sunday.

Mainoo's call-up comes as an apparent U-turn from Southgate, who preached patience around the teenager as recently as last week, when announcing his initial squad for the March camp. The manager had previously called up Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Jordan Henderson, who all play in the same position, with Mainoo initially named in the U21s squad.

Southgate highlighted Mainoo's quality last week: "He's doing really well for a young player. He's a good footballer - you can see that. And he's getting some fabulous experience with Manchester United at the moment. And he looks a really good character."

The midfielder will join the England setup ahead of Saturday's meeting with Brazil and will hope to make his senior international debut before attention turns to the game against Belgium three days later. After that, he will return to club duty for the Red Devils, when they take on Brentford in the Premier League on March 30.