England 'make decision on Kobbie Mainoo' for March internationals

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is not likely to be named in the senior England squad for this month's international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley.

The 18-year-old burst onto the scene in 2023 and, having overcome a significant ankle injury suffered during pre-season, has since firmly established himself as a starter for Erik ten Hag's United.

But while there have been clamours for a swift England call-up and Gareth Southgate has spoken positively about the youngster's potential, that isn't set to come just yet.

A Sky Sports News update suggests it is "unlikely" he will be named in this week's squad, although there are still plans for Mainoo to be "fast-tracked" into the senior setup before long and he stands to be called up by the Under-21 squad for the first time instead as part of that process.

So far in his fledgling career, Stockport-born Mainoo has represented England at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 levels. He has played just 22 first-team games for United, but has started each of the club's last 12 Premier League fixtures, widely praised for the maturity of his performances.

England do face a degree of competition from Ghana for Mainoo's international future. He is eligible to represent the west African country through his parents and the Ghanaian FA has previously confirmed interest in trying to persuade him to switch allegiance.

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Last month, executive council member Randy Abbey said: "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."

Southgate was in attendance when Mainoo played for United in a Premier League win over Aston Villa a few days later. Speaking ahead of that match, he had praised the youngster.

"He's doing brilliantly for a young player. He's had an excellent start for United," the England boss commented. "I'm not certain he's going to be a defensive midfielder. He's quite a progressive player, but he's had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward."

FIFA rules on eligibility permit a player to switch international allegiance if they have played no more than three competitive games before turning 21. For players aged 21 and older, their first competitive appearance for a given country is enough to permanently lock them in for that national team. Players of any age remain eligible to switch if they have only featured in friendly games.

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