Ian Wright makes huge prediction about Kobbie Mainoo during Luton game and everyone agrees

Kobbie Mainoo must be in the next England squad, according to Ian Wright, who was full of praise for the teenager during Sunday's Premier League clash against Luton.

The 18-year-old has been one of Manchester United's standout performers in recent weeks, with many calling for the Stockport-born midfielder to be fast-tracked into Gareth Southgate's plans ahead of this summer's Euros.

Earlier this month, Southgate watched on as the talented Mainoo produced another cool, calm and collected performance against top-four hopefuls Aston Villa.

And on Sunday afternoon, the youngster impressed again when he came up against a resilient Luton Town side as an early brace from Rasmus Hojlund sealed a crucial 2-1 win.

Ian Wright was one of many people to praise Mainoo. In fact, he took to X, formerly Twitter, to publicly praise the United midfielder as he continues to produce the goods on a consistent basis.

He wrote: "Kobbie Mainoo has to be in the next England squad. Such maturity in chaotic conditions that we've not seen from a England player in a long time. Impressed every time I watch him."

Wright's colleague Gary Lineker agreed with his statement, adding: "Agreed. What a fabulous young player."

He wasn't the only one. Fans on social media flocked to Wright's post to praise Mainoo.

One wrote: "Best player on the pitch for Utd by far and he's only 18," while another commented: "Kobbie-Rice-Jude in midfield who says no?"

A third said: "Jones, Gallagher and Mainoo should all be in it, and comfortably. The profiles of Jones and Mainoo make either perfect facilitators to allow Bellingham and Trent to excel in their preferred positions."

A fourth added: "Always looking to control the tempo. A proper midfielder."

Image credit: Getty

Wright, who will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season, also paid tribute to former United midfielder Angel Gomes, who has impressed for Ligue 1 side Lille this season.

"And equally not seeing enough love and flowers for Angel Gomes and what he's consistently doing at Lille in the centre of midfield," Wright added.

"Another top performance yesterday. Call him up and have a look at him."

Topics: England, Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Premier League, Fan Reactions

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_