Mateus Mané picks Portugal over England | OneFootball

Wolves' Mateus Mané has committed his international future to Portugal, rejecting England at under-21 level.

The 18-year-old, born in Barreiro, has previously represented England at youth level, including under-18s, but this morning he received his first call-up to Portugal’s U21 squad, with head coach Luís Freire confirming his inclusion for the upcoming 2027 U21 European Championship qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Scotland.

Mané has been a standout performer for Wolves this season, making 20 Premier League appearances, scoring twice and registering an assist, while also becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to score in the competition.

According to reports, both Roberto Martínez, Portugal’s head coach, and FPF (Portuguese FA) president Pedro Proença have been actively courting the talented winger, aware of his talent and versatility. Mané also holds Guinean nationality, giving him multiple options internationally.

England under-21 coach Lee Carsley had also shown keen interest, hoping to integrate Mané into the Three Lions’ squad, but the chance to represent his country of birth and join Portugal’s well-regarded youth setup proved decisive.

With his Premier League form continuing to impress, Mané is now set to make an immediate impact at the U21 level and establish himself as one of Portugal’s most exciting young prospects.