The English Football Association is highly optimistic that Manchester United emerging star Kobbie Mainoo will prioritise playing for the Three Lions of England over Ghana
Mainoo’s profile soared on Sunday after United boss Erik ten Hag handed the 18-year-old his full senior debut in the 3-0 win at Everton.
The teenager impressed before being substituted in the 72nd minute with United already leading 2-0.
Mainoo, born in Stockport, has represented England at junior level up to the Under-19s - but is eligible to play for Ghana.
But the Daily Mail newspaper sources close to the national team’s HQ in Burton are confident Mainoo’s intention is to remain on England’s pathway with the player providing no reason for the FA to fear he would consider playing for Ghana in the long term.
The midfielder has become a regular at St George’s Park in recent years and has left technical staff convinced that he wants an international career with England
Mainoo has impressed coaches at England’s training facility, not only with his ability, but work-ethic as well.
He is described as being ‘super professional, focused and not a moment’s bother’ by those who have worked with him at St George’s with many believing he is worthy of being fast-tracked through the system into the English U21 side.
Mainoo, who has been visiting the West African nation for summer holidays since 2019, is eligible to represent Ghana despite playing for England at the U17, U18 and U19 levels
