Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo has closed the door on possibly playing for Ghana after making his England debut in an international tournament, coming on as a substitute for the last five minutes of play against Serbia in Euro 2024.
Prior to the match on Sunday, Mainoo had only made three appearances for the Three Lions and was still eligible to play for the Black Stars if he decided to.
He was being courted by the Ghana Football Association after making his breakthrough for Man United at the start of the season.
The 19-year-old’s rise has been one of the stories of the season. In a campaign that offered little hope until the FA Cup final, he provided much for United fans around the world to cling to.
He made his senior debut for England in the March international break against Brazil and then got his first start against Belgium, impressing in both encounters.
His impressive season also saw him score a beauty against Liverpool in April, where he expertly let the ball go across his body and curled one into the top corner at the Stretford End. Probably exactly how he dreamt it up as a kid, having grown up a huge United fan in Stockport.
Mainoo saved his most important goal for last, however, as he slotted in United’s second goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, winning the famous old tournament in his debut season, despite the cacophony of issues around the club.