England Star Will Switch International Allegiance To Parents' Country If They Qualify For World Cup

Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to switch international national allegiance to Ghana from England if they reach the World Cup later this year.

The 21-year-old represented England at various youth levels from Under 16's onwards and then at the age of 18 years and 135 days, went on to become the youngest-ever player to play in competitive fixture.

He was a substitute in the 5-0 Euro 2020 qualifier win over Czech Republic at Wembley in March 2019.

The winger then made his full debut three days later and set up one of Ross Barkley's goals against Montenegro, again in a qualifying fixture.

But Hudson-Odoi hasn't played for the senior team since his third cap in November 2019 and turned down a call-up to the Under 21 squad last year as he wanted to focus on his club commitments.

And according to LondonWorld, Hudson-Odoi has told his close circle he wants to play for Ghana in the World Cup.

The player's mother and father are both from Ghana and he has been tipped to many the change in recent times.

New FIFA rules introduced mean that it possible for Hudson-Odoi, despite two of his three caps coming in competitive fixtures.

The rules state that, "Players can now switch national teams provided they are eligible to represent them as long as they have played no more than three matches (including friendlies), none of the matches were in the final tournament of the FIFA World Cup or confederation competition, and they all happened before the player turned 21".

Ghana, who have the likes of Jeffrey Schlupp, Andre and Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey in their ranks, take on Nigeria in the two-legged World Cup play-off next month.

Born in Wandsworth, London, Hudson-Odoi has visited his roots twice in the past eight months. During his first trip, he met with President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House to discuss how to "improve football infrastructure and opportunities for children and young people" in the nation.

Asked about his international future, Hudson-Odoi was coy, telling the London Evening Standard: “I don’t know. At the end of the day, we will wait until that time comes.”

Wilfried Zaha and Victor Moses are recent examples of players who changed national teams, while more recently Ademola Lookman had his request to represent Nigeria approved.

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA

Topics: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea, England, Gareth Southgate

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_