First football and FIFA, then enough patriotism; England players change country to play in World Cup
The England players have left the country following the indication that they may not get a place in the World Cup squad to be held in Qatar. The players left the team in accordance with FIFA rules.
Chelsea winger Callam Hudson Odoi, Arsenal striker and England Under-21 all-time superstar Eddie Enkatia have been named in the squad. The duo will play in the World Cup for the African nation of Ghana.
The duo will play for Ghana in favor of FIFA’s rules amended in 2020. New FIFA rules allow players who have played three or fewer international matches for one country before their 21st birthday to play for another country of which they are a citizen.
Odoy’s father was a footballer who immigrated to England from Ghana. Odoi was born and raised in England. He has the opportunity to play for England and Ghana under the rules, but initially decided to play for his native England.
Callum Hudson Odoi
However, the player is set to play for Ghana following indications that he may not get a chance in the national team.
Like Odoi, Enkatia’s family immigrated to England from Ghana. He played for England in the Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 teams and studied at the academies of Arsenal and Chelsea.
Ghana approached Enkatia to play for them in 2019 and 2020 but the player refused.
Eddie Enkathia
The captain of the 2021 Under-21 team did not get a chance in the senior team. There are indications that it will be difficult for him to make the England squad for the World Cup and that he will have limited opportunities to play in the squad, prompting him to move to Ghana.
Ghana have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since the 2014 World Cup in South Africa. Ghana is in Group H with Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
Content Highlight: Two England players switch over to Ghana before FIFA World Cup