Hudson-Odoi speaks on nationality switch after Chelsea’s Club World Cup success

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Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi addressed the dilemma he is facing over which national team to choose between England and west African giants Ghana following Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph on Saturday.

Hudson-Odoi represented England at every youth level from U16 to U21 before making his first senior international appearance in 2019.

However, the 21-year-old has only been able to take his tally of caps to three since then and he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s last Three Lions squad in November, leading to question marks over his future.

What’s been said

Hudson-Odoi is also eligible to play for Ghana due to his heritage and, under current FIFA rules, any players that have played three or fewer international games before the age of 21 are allowed to switch allegiances if they choose to.

The Chelsea winger has not featured for England in two-and-a-half years, but has now given the clearest indication yet that he remains determined to break into Southgate’s squad.

Speaking after the Blues’ 2-1 win against Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi, Hudson-Odioi replied when asked whether he would commit his international future to the Three Lions and reject Ghana: “Hopefully. I don’t know.

“At the end of the day, we will wait until that time comes.”

Background

Callum James Hudson-Odoi (born 7 November 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger for Premier League club Chelsea and the England national team.

During his time with Chelsea’s academy, Hudson-Odoi was part of the squads which won the U18 Premier League in 2017 as well as back-to-back FA Youth Cup titles. His form at youth level was rewarded in January 2018 when he was handed his senior debut and he has since made over 110 appearances for the club.

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Hudson-Odoi also enjoyed considerable success at youth level for England, being part of the squad which ended as runners-up in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship and which won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the same year. In March 2019, he became the youngest player to debut in a competitive match for England, doing so in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic.

Hudson-Odoi was born and raised in Wandsworth, Greater London, he is the second son of former Hearts of Oak Ghanaian midfielder Bismark Odoi which makes him eligible to play for Ghana.

By: Prince Kwame Tamakloe – sports24online

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