Ex-Arsenal and Everton winger Theo Walcott claims Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is “knocking on the door” to be named in the England squad for this summer’s European Championships.

After being called up for the 2006 World Cup as a teenager, Walcott knows a thing or two about the attention that comes with going to an international tournament at such a young age. While he is a fan of Mainoo, Walcott says that he doesn’t want expectations to get out of control:

“He is starting to establish himself at one of, if not, the biggest clubs in the world. For me, from what I’ve seen of him as well and going off my experiences, obviously, we are quick to jump on new talents coming through, but he is exceptional, he really is.”

“But let’s dampen the expectations just a little bit, because as a man of experience who went to a World Cup at a young age and didn’t play, the eyes are on you. And they always will be on you. But for me, he is going to be knocking on that door pretty soon.”

The United star can cope with the pressure

From the outside looking in, it doesn’t look as if the 18-year-old is letting all the attention get to him. Since breaking into United’s first team, he has kept his feet firmly on the ground.

You do feel that, if he is called by England for Euro 2024, Mainoo would not let it go to his head, and he could even thrive under the pressure.

There are places up for grabs in England’s midfield

With previous tournament players Jordan Henderson and Calvin Phillips struggling for form, there is a case for Mainoo being considered for selection.

There are other options that manager Gareth Southgate could look at, such as AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse, but Mainoo’s performances for United mean he should be in the mix.