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The Manchester United midfield revelation is set to kick off a battle between England's Three Lions and Ghana's Black Stars
Manchester United's rising star, Kobbie Mainoo, is holding off on making a final decision regarding his international future, despite growing interest from England's manager, Gareth Southgate.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who has been turning heads with his performances in the Premier League, finds himself at a crossroads, eligible to represent either England or Ghana on the international stage.
Talented Mainoo a target for Three Lions and Black Stars
Southgate had a close look at Mainoo during his 10th consecutive start for Manchester United in their recent 2-1 victory against Aston Villa. Despite this attention and having represented England at the under-16, under-18, and under-19 levels, Mainoo is in no hurry to commit his international future to any single nation.
Born in Stockport, the young talent qualifies for Ghana through his parents, and the Ghana Football Association has expressed hope in persuading him to play for the Black Stars.
Mainoo's decision is expected to be postponed until he feels assured of securing a regular spot in the senior England squad, a milestone he anticipates might be reachable by autumn at the earliest. This careful approach is in line with FIFA's eligibility rules, allowing players to change their national team allegiance under certain conditions, including those who have only participated in friendly matches or are under 21 and have played fewer than three competitive matches.
Southgate's Strategy and Mainoo's Development
Southgate, known for integrating young talents with dual nationality into the senior squad promptly, might have to wait a bit longer in Mainoo's case. With no competitive matches scheduled for England until the European Championship in September, the opportunity to bring Mainoo into the fold is limited.
However, Mainoo's remarkable stint in a defensive midfield position for United has not gone unnoticed, with Southgate viewing him as a future box-to-box attacking player, drawing comparisons to Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden rather than defensive mids like Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.
Upcoming international opportunities for Mainoo
Despite the international uncertainty, Mainoo's immediate future includes potential inclusion in Lee Carsley’s under-21 squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers. His performances for Manchester United have certainly made a strong case for his selection, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.
As the young midfielder continues to navigate his promising career, the decision between representing England or Ghana remains a significant one. With his skills on full display in the Premier League, both nations are keenly awaiting his choice, which could have a considerable impact on their teams moving forward.
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