Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has been handed his debut England national team call-up despite interest from the Ghana Football Association over a possible nationality switch.
The 24-year-old has been in talks with the Ghanaian federation with coach Chris Hughton recently revealing in an interview that there have been talks with the forward.
However, in a list released by England manager Gareth Southgate for the games against Ukraine and Scotland in September, Nketiah was named in the squad.
The decision leaves Ghana’s quest for the striker to represent his parents country in doubt.
“It’s an area that we would like to have a look at him. He’s a young player with really good pedigree. Very good finisher and it’s good for him to have some time with us. He’s the record scorer with the 21s. He’s not had the chance to work with us up to this point but he is a player we are really interested in,” said Gareth Southgate, as quoted by Football Daily.
Meanwhile, Nketiah shared his excitement after receiving the invite and he is looking forward to represent the Three Lions.
“It’s an honour to receive my first senior call up. Glory be to God – can’t wait to meet up with the squad!,” he wrote on social media.
The Black Stars will now switch their attention to other players as Hughton prepares his team for the final AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic in September.
Chris Hughton opens up on talks with Nketiah
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton has revealed that he has had talks with England-born duo, Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi over switching their nationalities to represent Ghana.
Both players have Ghanaian parents, which would allow them to play for the African nation at an international level
Source : Sport Brief
