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Why Kobbie can benefit from missing Euros

- ANDY DUNN

WHEN it was first put to the England manager in mid-March that Kobbie Mainoo might be considered for senior selection, his response was typically Gareth Southgate.

"We think, ideally, we should allow him space to develop at his own speed. You have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time," he said.

A storming game against Liverpool later and Mainoo was making his international debut against Brazil at Wembley and, a few days later, was making his first international start, against Belgium, and picking up man-of-thematch accolades.

It appeared the 19-year-old's place at Euro 2024 had been instantly secured.

And, particularly with Southgate now having the option to take a squad of 26 players, there is still a strong likelihood Mainoo will be heading to Germany this summer.