Folarin Balogun, the talented Arsenal striker, has dealt a major blow to England by choosing to represent the United States national team instead.
FIFA has approved a request by the US Soccer Federation to change Balogun’s national eligibility from England.
Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents who were living in London, Balogun played for both England and the USA at youth level before establishing himself in the England U21s.
However, after a breakout season in France on loan to Reims from Arsenal, he has decided to represent the United States.
Balogun’s decision comes just five weeks before England plays in the Under-21 European Championship being hosted by Romania and Georgia.
The US courted Balogun on a visit to Florida in March and can now select him for the CONCACAF Gold Cup which it hosts from June 24 to July 16.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
