Kobbie Mainoo may have blazed a trail at Manchester United this season, but Graeme Souness still believes the youngster "isn't ready" to go to Euro 2024.
The Red Devils midfielder has broken into Erik ten Hag's first team at Old Trafford this season, earning rave reviews before being fast-tracked into Gareth Southgate's England set-up. Mainoo was still 18 when he made his senior debut for the Three Lions in March, and many have backed the youngster - now 19 - to travel to Germany this summer.
However, Liverpool legend Souness, 71, and Simon Jordan have suggested it's too early to discuss Mainoo going to his first international tournament at such an early stage. However, they have identified another fledgling member of this England group who's better-prepared to handle the pressure.
"You've got the young boy Mainoo coming through," Jordan, 56, proposed to his Simon and Souness co-host, who took little time to respond: "Not ready yet... you would say [to] play for England?
Fellow pundit Jordan replied: "I'm going to say, is it a conversation that should be had given the fact he's gotten into the England squad? Is he ready to go with Southgate to the tournament? Is it worth him going there to get his teeth cut and be part of an environment, or are all you all business for this tournament, if you're Gareth Southgate?"
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"All business," said Souness, who swiftly turned his attention to another up-and-comer in Cole Palmer, whom he feels is "further down that road." The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season after moving to Chelsea from Manchester City last summer, earning nominations for both Premier League Player and Young Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year.
Souness doesn't think Mainoo is ready for the "all business" approach England require for Euro 2024 (TalkSPORT)"[He's a] different player, goalscorer," added Souness. "If you were going tomorrow. If you were picking a group of players this weekend, Cole Palmer might be one of the first names on the team sheet, if you're Southgate... he's been outstanding."
After coming on as a substitute for his bow in a friendly against Brazil, it was only a few days later that Mainoo was named Player of the Match following his first England start, a dramatic draw against Belgium. Many would point to those performances as proof Mainoo can stand the heat on the international stage, though Souness and Jordan seemingly disagree.
There's also the fact that Mainoo is competing for a place at the base of England's midfield, where the stock of Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips isn't as high as it's been in recent international tournaments. And while England are blessed with an abundance of offensive talents, an asset like the United man may come in very handy between June and July.
The odds of Southgate selecting Mainoo (and possibly Palmer as well) are also increased due to the fact UEFA has increased its maximum squad capacity from 23 to 26 players. And while United's season has generally been poor by their standards, the individual quality of Mainoo may land him a ticket by the time squads must be submitted on June 7.
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