In recent years, the English football scene has witnessed the emergence of talented players with Ghanaian heritage who have opted to represent England internationally, despite being eligible to play for Ghana.
Among these notable names are Danny Welbeck, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Eddie Nketiah and most recently Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United sensation, Kobbie Mainoo, received a debut call up to the England National team as Gareth Southgate included the 18-year-old in the squad ahead of their upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Here is a list of other players of Ghanaian descent to represent England.
Danny Welbeck
Club: Brighton and Hove Albion
Danny Welbeck, born to Ghanaian parents in England, rose through the ranks of Manchester United’s youth academy before making a name for himself at the senior level. Despite being courted by the Ghanaian Football Association, Welbeck ultimately chose to wear the Three Lions jersey, making his debut for England in 2011. His pace, versatility, and knack for scoring crucial goals earned him a prominent role in the English setup.
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Callum Hudson-Odoi
Club: Nottingham Forest
Callum Hudson-Odoi, another product of the English football system with Ghanaian roots, caught the eye of Chelsea’s scouts at a young age. His rapid development saw him break into Chelsea’s first team, and he soon became a coveted talent. Despite overtures from Ghana, Hudson-Odoi pledged his international allegiance to England, making his senior debut in 2019.
Odoi, born in England to Ghanaian parents, has played for his birth country at all levels, earning three senior caps. However, he remains eligible to represent the Black Stars under FIFA regulations.
Eddie Nketiah
Club: Arsenal
Another name familiar to Ghanaians is, Eddie Nketiah. Born to Ghanaian parents in London, he showcased his goal-scoring prowess in Arsenal’s youth teams before earning a spot in the senior squad.
Despite being eligible for Ghana, Nketiah opted to represent England at the international level, where he continues to hone his skills and compete for a place in the squad.
While these players could have chosen to represent Ghana, their decision to don the England jersey reflects the allure of playing for a footballing powerhouse with a rich historical pedigree and the chance to compete on the global stage.
By Emmanuel Andam|3Sports|Ghana