Jason Cundy is stunned by what he’s hearing about Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo

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It just keeps getting better and better for Manchester United’s rising star, Kobbie Mainoo.

The 18-year-old was injured at the start of the season and his goal would have been to earn minutes for the first-team.

Even if he played sporadically for Manchester United this season, it would have been a positive step towards the long-term future of his career.

But fast forward to the present and life has been beyond crazy for Kobbie Mainoo after he made his England debut on Saturday against Brazil.

This could now result in Gareth Southgate starting the midfielder for England’s friendly against Belgium on Tuesday.

But when Jason Cundy and Jermaine Pennant were told by an England fan that Kobbie Mainoo isn’t ready and shouldn’t be picked, they were quick to defend the Manchester United star, as they told talkSPORT.

Another incredible suggestion was put on the table that struggling midfielder Kalvin Phillips should play ahead of the teenager.

Jason Cundy simply wasn’t having any of that talk and made it clear that ‘everyone is laughing’ at that absurd claim.

Kobbie Mainoo for England

“Why wouldn’t Mainoo be ready,” questioned Pennant whilst defending the player. “He is playing in the Premier League. The best league in the world. If you are good enough as a football player, then age doesn’t matter and your ability will shine.”

Cundy and Pennant then responded to the suggestion of Kalvin Phillips playing over Mainoo: “Close him off. Everyone is laughing at you. They are.”

Old enough, good enough

It’s as simple as that for Mainoo, and come the summer, Southgate needs to keep that in mind.

Someone like Jordan Henderson has dropped off and his form isn’t showing over in Ajax.

But if the former Liverpool man is picked over Mainoo for Euro 2024, then it simply won’t go down well with the fans and rightly so!

Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham are prime examples in England’s history that age doesn’t matter, even if they are fresh-faced teenagers.