Speaking on the The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards said: "If we rush him too soon, is it going to spoil him. Playing for England, is that going to be too much pressure?
"I was listening to an interview with Jose Mourinho and he said what's special about Jude Bellingham is that he had his football away from the English media hype. He was able to go about his business without pressure.
"And I just worry that if Mainoo was to go and play and start and do well, are we going to put too much pressure on him. But I agree, in that position, apart from Declan Rice there's no one playing better. It's a conundrum."
Mainoo has to make a decision on his international future after breaking into the first team at Manchester United this season under Ten Hag.
England head coach Gareth Southgate is keeping an eye on the 18-year-old midfielder who is also eligible to represent Ghana.
