Manchester United starlet 'to make full international debut on Tuesday'
The 18-year-old was brought off the bench in Saturday's friendly loss to Brazil for his first senior cap for the Three Lions, making his maiden senior appearance before even earning his Under-21s baptism.
Gareth Southgate resisted calls to include Mainoo in his initial first-team squad for March's friendlies, meaning that the midfielder was instead called up to Lee Carsley's Young Lions for their Euro 2025 qualifiers.
However, Mainoo — who is still eligible to play for Ghana on account of only featuring in friendlies for England so far — was almost immediately promoted to the first-team ranks upon arrival at St George's Park.
The 2005-born starlet became England's 19th-youngest male player when he was introduced in the second half of the loss to Brazil, although his thunder was stolen by 17-year-old Endrick, who scored the only goal of the match.
Now, Sky Sports News reports that Mainoo will be promoted to the starting lineup for the showdown with Belgium on Tuesday evening, and he is expected to take Conor Gallagher's spot in the three-man engine room.
Mainoo will be joined by Jude Bellingham — featuring in his recognisable advanced position — and stand-in captain Declan Rice for the visit of the Red Devils, where his start will mark another significant step in his rapid progression.
After catching the eye at youth level, Mainoo's pre-season was curtailed by a serious ankle injury, which also ruled him out of the first portion of the 2023-24 campaign as he spent months in the infirmary.
Since making a full recovery, though, Mainoo has quickly risen up Erik ten Hag's
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