Kobbie Mainoo has disclosed that he found out about his surprise first England call-up through an unexpected means.

The Manchester United midfielder is having a breakthrough season and will be part of the Three Lions’ squad for the upcoming friendly against Brazil and Belgium.

England manager Gareth Southgate initially excluded Mainoo from his 25-man roster. He was instead called up for the U21 team’s games against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

Southgate has raised his squad size from 25 to 26 to accommodate Mainoo.

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The 18-year-old impressed in United’s 4-3 FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Mainoo received a standing ovation from the home crowd, indicating that at such a young age, he has emerged as a significant player under Erik ten Hag.

Despite all of the attention, he remains a humble young man. Mainoo told England’s official X account that he found out about the call-up in person at St. George’s Park.

“Yeah, it’s a bit different!” Mainoo spoke. “I got called up to the U21s and then received a text from Steve Holland [assistant manager]. He told me to meet him in reception and informed me that I had been called up and would be with the team for the week. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, but I’m thrilled.”

England players do not learn of their call-ups in person. It demonstrates Southgate’s faith in Mainoo’s ability to improve his group.

Mainoo is qualified to play international football for Ghana through his parents, and he might now make his debut against Brazil on Saturday evening.

When asked about Mainoo’s initial exclusion from the England squad on Thursday, Southgate responded: “I believe he’s performing fantastically for a young player, and we’re never slow to bring a young player into the senior team, but he’s only played a couple of games.

Mainoo plays for United. (Getty) “Development decisions must be carefully timed.

“So, ideally, we believe we should give him the room to develop at his own pace. He hasn’t played as many games as Jude (Bellingham) and Bukayo (Saka) when they first arrived.

“But, I repeat, he’s doing exceptionally well for a young player.” He is a good footballer, as you can see.

Kobbie Mainoo made his debut with the England squad at St. George’s Park.