Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is unlikely to be included in the senior England squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley Stadium.
Despite making a significant impact since his emergence in 2023 and solidifying his place as a starter under manager Erik ten Hag after recovering from an ankle injury, the 18-year-old may not receive a swift call-up to the England squad.
While there has been positive feedback from England manager Gareth Southgate regarding Mainoo’s potential, reports from Sky Sports News indicate that his inclusion in the squad this week is improbable. However, there are plans to expedite his integration into the senior setup, with a potential call-up to the Under-21 squad as part of the process.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
Mainoo, born in Stockport, has represented England at various youth levels, including Under-17, Under-18, and Under-19. Despite his limited experience, having played only 22 first-team games for Manchester United, he has been widely praised for his mature performances, starting in each of the club’s last 12 Premier League fixtures.
There is competition from Ghana for Mainoo’s international future, as he is eligible to represent the West African country through his parents. The Ghanaian Football Association has expressed interest in persuading him to switch allegiance.
Under FIFA rules, a player can change their international allegiance if they have participated in no more than three competitive games before turning 21. However, once a player aged 21 or older makes a competitive appearance for a country, they are permanently locked in for that national team. Friendly matches do not count towards this restriction, allowing players of any age to switch national allegiances.