Ian Wright, a legend of Arsenal, has urged England to include Kobbie Mainoo in their squad for the forthcoming international break, highlighting the young midfielder’s maturity and calm style of play as particularly noteworthy traits.
With 14 appearances and one goal so far in the 2023–24 Premier League season, Mainoo, an 18-year-old Manchester United star, has been a revelation.
After Mainoo’s impressive display in United’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Luton on Sunday night, legendary Premier League player Wright expressed his support for Gareth Southgate’s selection to include the midfielder.
Wright is of the opinion that Mainoo’s capacity for poise under duress indicates his suitability for the global arena.
There’s a growing buzz that Mainoo might make the cut as Southgate gets ready to reveal his next batch of call-ups in the coming weeks. The team will play Brazil and Belgium in friendly at Wembley next month.
Mainoo, who has represented England’s youth teams in the past, is ready to step up to the senior squad and hopes to play in Euro 2024.
But Mainoo’s future abroad is not entirely dependent on England.
Since both of his parents are from Ghana, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reportedly shown interest in signing the gifted player, making him eligible to play for the Black Stars.
In an interview with the Times, Randy Abbey, a member of the GFA Executive Council, stated that the Association is eager for Mainoo to represent Ghana and is closely observing his development.
Since Mainoo has only played junior international football for England, he is free to change allegiances under FIFA’s international eligibility criteria.
However, Mainoo’s right to play for Ghana would be permanently lost if he made four senior competitive games for England in 2024.
Check out the post below:
Kobbie Mainoo has to be in the next England squad. Such maturity in chaotic conditions that we've not seen from a England player in a long time. Impressed every time I watch him.
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) February 18, 2024
