Ex-Liverpool star will ‘break TV’ if Jordan Henderson starts over Manchester United talent for England tonight

Jermaine Pennant has urged Gareth Southgate to give Kobbie Mainoo a chance over Jordan Henderson tonight.

England are set to take on Belgium in the second of their international double-headers against seasoned opposition. The Three Lions were edged out 1-0 by Brazil on Saturday - a game that saw Manchester United youngster Mainoo make his debut.

He came on with 15 minutes remaining alongside Red Devils teammate Marcus Rashford. Within minutes, Brazil broke the deadlock after Lewis Dunk gave away possession cheaply.

But Mainoo earned praise for his brief cameo, with many calling for him to be given a chance from the off. England face a side sitting one position lower in the FIFA rankings and making his first senior start would continue a meteoric rise for the 18-year-old.

The midfielder signed his first professional contract not even two years ago and now has a chance to make the plane for Euro 2024. Speaking on talkSPORT, former Liverpool winger Pennant called for Southgate to snub Jordan Henderson - and back United prodigy Mainoo.

“If I see Henderson, something is going through the TV,” he fumed. “This is why this is the perfect scenario (to start Mainoo). It's not a qualifier, it's not in the Euros, it's a friendly.

"So if he can handle this and play as he's been playing for Man United, then you go, 'Right, another little experience for him, perfect, just what you want from these young players.'

"Rather than putting Henderson there who is a veteran who we know what we're going to get, he's not going to be exciting, it just doesn't make any sense."