Kobbie Mainoo, the young prodigy from Manchester United, has been called up to the senior England squad for the first time.
The 18-year-old’s inclusion comes ahead of England’s high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley Stadium.
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Mainoo’s selection is a testament to his remarkable display during Manchester United’s nail-biting 4-3 win against Liverpool in the FA Cup, where he made a significant impact.
Despite being a newcomer, Mainoo has turned heads with his performances since his Premier League debut in November.
A product of Manchester United’s esteemed academy, which he joined at seven, Mainoo has earned a playful moniker that nods to his older brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who was a contestant on the reality TV show Love Island in its fifth season in 2019.
Following his brother’s stint on the popular series, Kobbie has been endearingly referred to as ‘Love Island’ by the Manchester United kit staff.
During England’s ‘First Impressions’ interview, Mainoo explained: ‘My brother was on it. I’m close to him.
‘You know what, going back to another question – my nickname. The kit man at United always called me ‘Love Island’. [He’s been doing so] since I was like 16.’ He added.
Mainoo clarified he’s not one to charm his way through situations like his brother, saying, ‘No, it’s not even that. They’re just jokers.’
Amidst the excitement around his England call-up, Mainoo expressed his astonishment, stating, ‘I was shocked and happy [to receive a call-up]. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, a pretty mad couple of days.’
Jordan Mainoo-Hames rose to prominence during his time on Love Island, initially pairing with Anna Vakili and later forming a bond with India Reynolds, a new arrival on the show.
Following his appearance on Love Island, Jordan expanded his career into the fashion industry, modelling for prestigious brands such as Vogue and Louis Vuitton, as well as for the sportswear retailer JD Sports. Additionally, he has explored opportunities in property development.
