This summer’s European Championship may come too soon for Kobbie Mainoo to force his way into the England reckoning.
That’s the view of former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith, who rates Mainoo highly but thinks it is probably too soon to expect to see him represent the Three Lions in Germany.
Gareth Southgate’s squad selections have been heavily scrutinised in recent years, with his loyalty to certain players questioned.
Henderson tipped to make it
Jordan Henderson was included in multiple squads last year after moving to the Saudi Pro League, while Harry Maguire was also regularly selected despite his club form suffering following the European Championship in 2021.
In midfield, Smith thinks Henderson has a good chance of making it into England’s squad for the tournament after returning to Europe with Ajax, with rising star Mainoo among those who could miss out.
Smith told Dexerto via NewBettingOffers.co.uk: “There have been times in the recent past when Henderson has been selected where people have been going, ‘What? he’s certainly not picking him on form’, but only Southgate and the players see what Henderson brings to the dressing room.
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“It was interesting that Southgate was in Amsterdam to see him play for Ajax the other day, so he clearly hasn’t given up on him. So I think if Henderson has a good run with Ajax until the end of the season, he’ll be going to the Euros.
“Kalvin Phillips is a little bit different, but again if he has a good run for West Ham…I know he’s got off to a nightmare start, but Southgate knows what he’s getting with him. There are a few players but I think for Mainoo it’s a bit early.
“People like James Ward-Prowse can claim to be doing well enough to maybe clinch a position there but in Phillips and Henderson, they think like defensive midfielders. We haven’t really got too many of them.
“Obviously Jude Bellingham is a shoo-in but he’s somebody that gets up and down the pitch all day long. There is still a chance I think for Henderson particularly, and also Phillips a bit less so, to get into that squad.”
