There is a condition, called phimosis, which is what he may be describing.
My son was not circumcised, born in UK and dad is not, so we just didn't think much about it.
The phimosis started when he was about 7. Everything was normal until then. Doc did prescribe some cream that might help, but said it also might not. It did not. At 8, he had the surgery with Dr. Rushton at Children's.
https://childrensnational.org/departments/urology/meet-the-team
Don't discount what he may be going through. It can be painful, and it can lead to problems (infection).
Good luck!