html/URL Encoding C# Asp.Net

I'm making a Asp.Net Core 2.1 web app. I've added email validation, however I've run into a minor issue.

The code is largely the basic web app code, with modifications to make it run on MySql instead of Sql Server and some other changes for encrypting appsettings.

I've also had to use MailGun unstead of the recommended send grid

The generated code and tutorials say to use the code below:

$"Please confirm your account by <a href='{HtmlEncoder.Default.Encode(callbackUrl)}'>clicking here</a>.");

However the verification string is in the format:

'[URL="https://localhost:5001/Identity/Account/ConfirmEmail?userId=78092f92-9193-4af7-a2f0-a260df7d6c01&amp;code=CfDJ8D2SnhxMBo9CnbW%2Byz35iD693EclhNNOZnW6UmvxxsdlE8JEMYRtGdqyohcElspXRQvWGeiOyDlicoG1BTMA2eSxu9aGF903ZNKE9Lqp6RZQcAvq%2BBVKfHOGeX9AOylCn4T%2FEVjMrsXJVfoFGiCLe1OGimK9nkfKWJ3ZbrpE8RwYdiWehZGTmENvoNaFcen860Z4nX1A8jEHwPtHUdvobggRRtmXk%2FLwuc9x4XDGGqu%2FguKUXVxaDMQ4izKdItw8Jg%3D%3D"]https://localhost:5001/Identity/Account/ConfirmEmail?userId=<userid>&code=<code>[/URL]

HtmlEncoder.Default.Encode converts the & into & which prevents the verification method reading the code section, removing the encode method (as below) allows it to work properly. Any issues with doing so? I assume it's there for a reason?

$"Please confirm your account by <a href='{callbackUrl}'>clicking here</a>.");