Southgate stunned fans when he called up Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to the England squad for upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.

It is noteworthy that just a few days earlier, Southgate had removed Mainoo from the Three Lions’ initial focus list. Instead, this player was named in the England U21 team list to face Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

It seems that Mainoo’s performance in MU’s win over Liverpool in the FA Cup Quarterfinals on Sunday convinced Southgate to change his decision.

However, the decision to summon this 18-year-old player has caused many mixed opinions. Liverpool supporters were especially angry on social networks.

“Mainoo being called up before Harvey Elliott is a ridiculous decision,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another commented: “I sympathize with Harvey Elliott. He deserves to be called up and has been patiently waiting.”

While a third person scathed: “Unless Mainoo replaces a player who has withdrawn from the team, I think this makes Southgate look very weak and indecisive. If he wanted to, he should have called Mainoo up a few days ago Already”.

Southgate mentioned several up-and-coming players he has his eye on before promoting Mainoo to the senior team.

He said: “There are some players who are doing exceptionally well, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, Rico Lewis. Archie Gray is doing really well at Leeds.

“I think [Mainoo] is doing brilliantly for a young player.

“We’re never slow to put a young player into the seniors but he’s only had a handful of games, so you have to be very careful.

“We feel we should give him the space to develop at his own speed.

“But he’s having some wonderful experiences at Manchester United and seems a very good character.”

Upon receiving his senior call-up, Mainoo said: “I was with the Under-21s and I got a text from [England assistant manager] Steve Holland telling me to come and meet him at reception.

“He just told me I’ve been called up… I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, but I’m excited! [My family] are all buzzing.”

Mainoo is also eligible to play for the Ghana national team due to his parents’ origins. But now the 18-year-old could make his England debut when they take on Brazil at Wembley on Saturday.