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Topics: Football, England, Kobbie Mainoo, Gareth Southgate, Manchester United, Premier League
Chris Byfield
Topics: Football, England, Kobbie Mainoo, Gareth Southgate, Manchester United, Premier League
England are set to make a controversial Kobbie Mainoo decision ahead of the European Championships.
Mainoo has been one of the star players of Manchester United’s mini-revival this term, having made his tenth successive Premier League start for the Old Trafford club in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
England boss Gareth Southgate was at Villa Park to watch Mainoo’s latest outing, amid calls for the 18-year-old to be fast-tracked into the England team ahead of the Euros in Germany this summer.
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According to the Mail Online, Mainoo, who is also eligible to represent Ghana, would accept a call-up by England, having represented the Three Lions at under-16, under-18 and under-19 level.
However, the United youngster has no immediate plans to make a definitive decision on his international career.
Mainoo qualifies for Ghana through his parents and Ghana FA Board member Randy Abbey told The Times last week that they are hopeful of persuading the youngster to switch his allegiance to the Black Stars.
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While Mainoo is expected to defer his decision until he is confident about breaking into the England team regularly, the Mail has alleged that the player is not likely to have a regular spot with the Three Lions until after Euro 2024.
Southgate has previously shown a willingness to fast-track talent with dual nationalities into the senior squad, having given Mason Greenwood a first cap at just 18.
Yet, such an approach is not practical for Mainoo in the short term given the Three Lions don’t have a competitive game other than the European Championships until September.
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The Mail has alleged that the FA are confident of retaining Mainoo’s services but has not offered the teenager any guarantees.
FIFA eligibility rules dictate that a player can change their nationality at any time if they have only played in friendlies.
Meanwhile, those aged under 21 can also switch after three years if they have played fewer than three competitive matches.