Lukman Mumuni
updated at September 6, 2023 at 9:36 AM
- Eddie Nketiah has joined the English national team for the first time
- The Arsenal star has revealed why he chose England over Ghana
- Nketiah is set to make his debut for the Three Lions at the senior level
Arsenal striker, Eddie Nketiah has opened up on his decision to choose England over Ghana.
The 24-year-old has been eligible to represent both countries, and held talks with the Ghana Football Association over a potential nationality switch.
However, after receiving his first invite from England manager Gareth Southgate, the London-born player settled on playing for the former world champions.
Source: Twitter
"I think both sides were the options. Naturally, coming through the academy in England, I've got aspirations to play here. Like I said, once the call up was there and the offer on the table, it's hard to turn down," he said during England's pre-match presser.
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Football"It was something I felt was a natural progression for me and I felt now was the good time for me to make that step and I am very happy to be here."
Nketiah could make his England debut when the Three Lions face Ukraine or Scotland during the international break, as reported by the BBC.
He could still be available for the Black Stars until he makes over three competitive appearances for England.
Nketiah handed England call-up
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nketiah was 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.
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FootballHughton on talks with Nketiah
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.
Nketiah is yet to play for the Three Lions at senior level, while Hudson-Odoi has made three appearances for England, but has not featured for the European country in over two years.
