Euro 2024: Could Benched Kobbie Mainoo Regret Choosing England Over Ghana?

• Kobbie Mainoo was an unused substitute in England's draw with Denmark, prompting questions about his future with the Three Lions
• The teenager was eligible to play for the Black Stars of Ghana, but he opted to represent his country of birth at the senior level
• Mainoo can no longer switch allegiance, and there are concerns in some quarters that the lad could regret not playing for Ghana

After seeing just four minutes of action at the ongoing Euro 2024, Kobbie Mainoo's future with the England national team is being questioned.

Despite being one of Manchester United's standout performers in the just concluded season, the midfielder was benched throughout England's 1-1 draw with Denmark.

It is his first-ever major tournament, and fans are already unsure about what the future holds for Mainoo in the Three Lions' squad.

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The 19-year-old was born in Greater Manchester to parents from Ghana and was also eligible to feature for the Black Stars at the international level.

Why Mainoo chose England over Ghana

The exciting midfielder from Stockport had represented England at the junior level up to the Under-19s but had the chance to play for Ghana at the senior level.

Officials of England's national team’s HQ in Burton were confident that Mainoo intended to remain on England’s pathway, and the player provided no reason for the FA to fear.

In February, the Ghana FA made efforts to persuade the teenager to ditch his country of birth and play for the Black Stars.

Randy Abbey, a member of the executive council of Ghana FA, told The Times via One Football:

“The Ghana Football Association is interested in monitoring, attracting, and persuading all eligible talents for its various national teams.

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"Kobbie is definitely one of such incredible talents, and the Association will love to work with him and many like him home and abroad.”

Kobbie Mainoo at Euro 2024

Mainoo made his senior national team debut in March and was named in England's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024.

The youngster was an 86th-minute substitute in their 1-0 win over Serbia after replacing Jude Bellingham. He was unused in their 1-1 draw with Denmark as he was pictured seated on the bench.

The situation has generated talking points among fans, with many suggesting that the playmaker might regret his decision not to play for Ghana.

Mainoo backs Bellingham for Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief earlier reported that Mainoo believes England teammate Jude Bellingham is a deserved contender for the biggest individual prize award, the Ballon d'Or.

Bellingham ended last season winning the Spanish La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions.

The former Dortmund midfielder continued with his outstanding performances at the Euros after netting England's match-winner against Serbia.