Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is on the verge of a potential call-up to England’s Under-21 squad, as the battle for his international future heats up between England and Ghana.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who comes from Stockport, Greater Manchester, has already represented England at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels. However, Ghana’s interest in him due to his parentage has sparked the attention of the Ghanaian Football Association, who are keen on having him play for their national team.
According to the Daily Mail, the English Football Association is aware of Ghana’s interest and is considering promoting Mainoo to the Under-21 squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
While this does not commit Mainoo to England in the long term, it does show that the English setup is closely following his progress.
England’s senior manager Gareth Southgate recently attended Manchester United’s Premier League victory over Aston Villa and had previously lauded Mainoo, stating, “I think he’s doing brilliantly for a young player. He’s had an excellent start for United. I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He’s quite a progressive player, but he’s had a fabulous start to his career, and it will be good to monitor him.”
Randy Abbey, a member of the Ghana FA’s Executive Council, expressed Ghana’s interest in nurturing talents like Mainoo, stating, “The Ghana Football Association is interested in monitoring, attracting, and persuading all eligible talents for its various national teams. Kobbie is definitely one of these incredible talents, and the association would love to work with him and many like him at home and abroad.”
Under FIFA’s international eligibility rules, Mainoo can still switch allegiance as he has only represented England at junior levels. Southgate has been open to providing opportunities to young players who are excelling at their clubs, as seen with Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis this season. Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham also made early senior debuts under Southgate.
With the potential for a late call-up to England’s senior squad for Euro 2024, Mainoo’s international future remains intriguing, and his performances could play a significant role in the decision of his national team allegiance.
However, Mainoo would need to make just four competitive senior appearances for England in 2024 to permanently rule out the option of representing Ghana.
