England U21s all-time top goalscorer asked to change allegiance despite senior cap
· Mirror
One Premier League star could soon be changing his international allegiance
England U21s' all-time leading goalscorer Eddie Nketiah is reportedly in talks to change his international allegiance despite already receiving a senior cap for the Three Lions. The Crystal Palace striker has one senior appearance for England, making his bow against Australia in a friendly in October 2023.
The 27-year-old, former Arsenal striker, is the all-time leading goalscorer for England U21s with 16 goals in 17 games for the young Three Lions. However, The Standard claims Ghana has now initiated talks with the striker to convince him to change allegiances.
Nketiah is reportedly considering his next step and deciding whether or not to represent his parents' country of birth or hold out for further England caps.
The Crystal Palace forward is still eligible to represent Ghana, due to current FIFA regulations. They state a player cannot switch to another nation if they have played in more than three competitive senior games.
The Black Stars are looking to add more Premier League quality to their ranks, with the likes of Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo and Coventry midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi representing Ghana.
Nketiah has made a bright start to life under new Eagles boss Pierre Sage, starting all three of their top-flight games this season.
However, it's fair to say that he's struggled for goals since his move to Selhurst Park, managing just four in 19 appearances last season, down from the seven goals he scored in his first year at the club.
Speaking about his start to life under Sage this season, Nketiah said:
> "I think the team are a bit more on the front foot, I would say.
> "We want to press higher, be a bit more aggressive. I think obviously it's a different style, though it's the same system.
> "It's a bit of a different style than we played last year, but I've enjoyed it. I think he [Sage] is really demanding – and not just him, all the coaching staff, the players…
> "The quality of training has increased. I think everyone's up for it in these short, intense sessions.
> "I think it's going to put us in good stead for the games coming up, and I'm sure we can start to pick up some points and climb up the table."