England Finally ‘Steals’ Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo From Ghana

The Three Lions of England have selected Manchester United striker, Kobbie Mainoo, for their international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium later this month.

Kobbie Mainoo was born in England to Ghanaian parents which means he is eligible to play for either country. However, he has decided to go with the Three Lions instead of the Black Stars.

The 2023-2024 season is the breakthrough season for Kobbie Mainoo who has been in superb form for Manchester United in recent games.

Mainoo started his football development at Old Trafford. His extraordinary talent propels his rapid growth in the youth system as he grew from the club’s under-18 to the senior team within two years.

So far this season which is his debut season in elite football, the 18-year-old striker has scored two goals and provided two assists.

Kobbie Mainoo’s biggest game in football was the FA Cup quarter-final clash between Manchester United and Liverpool on March 17, 2024.

During the game, the youngster scored the match-winner in the last minute of the extra-time as United stunned in-form Liverpool out of the tournament with a 4-3 win.

Though he ended the game with a red card, Kobbie Mainoo’s fame in football grew positively to the extent that coach Gareth Southgate had to call him into the Three Lions of England squad.

Mainoo was initially asked to join the England-21 team but he had to be promoted to the senior team due to the buzz he has generated with his performance against Liverpool.

Below is England’s full squad for their March International friendlies against Brazil on March 23, and Belgium on March 26:

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Man City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Man City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Man United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)