Why was Kobbie Mainoo snubbed in latest England squad? Gareth Southgate uses Jude Bellingham example to explain decision not to call up Man Utd youngster

Mainoo was thought to be in contention for a place in the Three Lions team for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium due to his impressive performances for Manchester United. Southgate left him out, however, and explained that he has not yet played enough senior matches to warrant a spot in the team.

Southgate told reporters: "I think that he's doing brilliantly for a young player and we're never slow to put a young player into seniors. But he's only had a handful of games and you have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time. So we think ideally, we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed. He's not at the point in terms of number of games that Jude [Bellingham] and Bukayo [Saka] were when they came in for the first time. But I repeat: 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.

Mainoo has made 19 appearances for Erik ten Hag's team this season, including 14 in the Premier League and two in the Champions League. The 18-year-old scored his first senior goal in an FA Cup win against Newport County and then followed it up days later with his maiden strike in the Premier League - a late winner against Wolves.

The midfielder will shake off the disappointment of missing out on a place in Southgate's squad and hope to play a key role as United meet Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday.