Kobbie Mainoo lists FOUR all-time favorite players, including three Man Utd idols

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KOBBIE MAINOO says his aim is to break into England’s European Championship squad after a ‘whirlwind’ rise in Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.

The 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder is in with a chance of making a Wembley debut against Brazil on Saturday or against Belgium next Tuesday – after just 23 appearances for his club.

Kobbie Mainoo hopes to make a full debut in EnglandCredit: PA

And Mainoo said: “That is the end goal of the season, to get into that (Euro) selection.

“I have to concentrate on club football in the meantime and hopefully that will work itself out.

“Hopefully we have a good training camp and get two wins and hopefully I get my first cap.

“There is a lot of time between now and Germany. If I go back to my club and perform well and do what I need to do, then hopefully it will all align.

“It would be an honor to make the plane.”

Mainoo was called up to the England Under-21s for the first time last week, but the Stockport-born teenager impressed during United’s epic 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool and was quickly moved up to the senior Three Lions party.

And Mainoo said: “It’s been a pretty crazy few days. Sunday was a great game and a great win. When I got called up to the Under-21s it was great to get here and realize I was in the first team.

“I was shocked and happy and it was a whirlwind of emotions.

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“Gareth was very good, very welcoming, made me feel comfortable here and told me what my role would be if I played.”

Mainoo has represented England at youth level but is still eligible to play for Ghana.

Kobbie Mainoo gets his first call-up to the England squad as Man Utd wonderkid becomes a late addition to Gareth Southgate’s camp

And he said: “I am proud of my Ghanaian heritage, both my parents are from there.

But it’s a great opportunity to be with England and I’m enjoying it.”

Mainoo was already a United fan in his youth, but also names Brazilian legend Ronaldinho as his favorite player.

When asked to name his heroes, Mainoo replied: “I would say Wayne Rooney. Paul Scholes too. And King Eric (Cantona). He was a little before my time, but I still appreciate him.

“And Ronaldinho played with a smile on his face, and he played freely.

“I think everyone loves Ronaldinho. How can you not? I mean, he was a great player.”

“Brazil is such an iconic team and it would be great to play against them.”