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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi to switch international allegiances in England snub

Arsenal's man of the moment Eddie Nketiah is expected to give up on any hopes of a senior England call-up and represent Ghana instead.

According to football.london, the Gunners striker has been granted a Ghanaian passport and will now represent the Black Stars alongside Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi. The Blues forward is in a similar situation to Nketiah in that he has also been overlooked by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate when the time comes to select the England senior squad despite impressing at Under-21 level.

Nketiah is the England U-21 all-time record goal-scorer with 16 strikes to his name, but that has not been enough to force his way into the senior fold. Given the fact he is yet to don the famous white strip for the senior side, he is therefore still eligible to play for Ghana.

Once Nketiah does confirm the switch, it will mark the end of a lengthy effort from the Ghanaian football association who have long been interested and approached the striker himself and his family on multiple occasions trying to persuade him to represent them instead.

Unlike his Arsenal counterpart, Hudson-Odoi has technically represented the England senior side - but only in a friendly against the Czech Republic when he was a teenager. The fact it wasn't a competitive appearance for the Three Lions means he is also eligible to make the switch.

It is a source of huge excitement to Ghana fans that the pair are set to declare their newfound allegiances together. The duo have had rather contrasting seasons at club level.

Both Eddie Nketiah (right) and Callum Hudson-Odoi were regulars for the England Under-21 side ((Photo by Visionhaus))

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should players be allowed to change their national side at any level? Comment below

It must be said that up until recently Nketiah found himself so far out of the first-team fold he publicly reiterated his desire to play and how he needs to be given a chance. The former Leeds loanee got his wish and has barely looked back since.

Two goals during the memorable 4-2 away win over Chelsea was then followed by two combative, tireless displays in victories over Manchester United and West Ham respectively. Another brace against his former side Leeds has all but secured his place in the starting eleven for Thursday's huge North London derby away at Spurs.

Talk of a new Arsenal deal for Nketiah now rumbles on, while Hudson-Odoi struggles to shake off a lengthy injury in time for Saturday's FA Cup final date against Chelsea. The former Bayern Munich target has just three goals across all competitions this season and may not get the chance to add to that tally before the campaign's close.

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