Following Southgate’s unexpected U-turn, Liverpool supporters have expressed their displeasure with the England manager.

For England’s next friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Southgate surprised supporters on Tuesday by bringing up Kobbie Mainoo, a midfielder for Manchester United.

It was a stunning reversal of direction from Southgate, who a few days prior had excluded Mainoo from his starting eleven for the two matches.

Rather, Mainoo was selected for England’s under-21 team to play Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.

“I think he’s doing brilliantly for a young player and we’re never slow to put a young player into seniors,” Southgate said in a statement following that original selection. However, he hasn’t played many games, so you have to be extremely cautious when it comes to development and timing those moves.

“So we think ideally, we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed. He’s not at the point in terms of number of games that Jude (Bellingham) and Bukayo (Saka) were when they came in for the first time.

“But I repeat: he’s doing really well for a young player. He’s a good footballer — you can see that. And he’s getting some fabulous experience with Manchester United at the moment. And he looks a really good character.”

It appears that Mainoo’s performance in United’s FA Cup quarterfinal victory against Liverpool on Sunday has persuaded Southgate to reconsider.

However, the choice to activate the 18-year-old has caused controversy; Liverpool fans, in particular, are furious on social media.

“Mainoo getting a call up before Harvey Elliott is comical,” said one angry fan on X.

“I feel for Harvey Elliott. He deserved a call up, has waited so patiently too,” said another fan.

A third said, “I think this makes Southgate look very weak and indecisive unless Mainoo is replacing a player who has pulled out of the squad.” A few days ago, I didn’t want to give him a call.”

Mainoo’s parents grant him eligibility to play football for Ghana, but he may now make his senior debut for England on Saturday against Brazil at Wembley.