GARETH SOUTHGATE has one of the best squads in world football at his disposal, but he’s got to make sure he can keep hold of them all.
England might have TOO much talent as top quality players are considering switching allegiance in order to play international football.
Harvey Barnes is considering representing Scotland with the Newcastle winger not playing for England since October 2020.
And if Southgate and Co aren’t careful they could lose out on a lot more of their top talents.
Here SunSport takes a loot at some of the best players that could have their heads turned away from representing the Three Lions.
Harvey Barnes – Scotland
Barnes is reportedly considering choosing England’s “Auld Enemies” over his birth country as he hasn’t had a call-up in almost three years.
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Scotland boss Steve Clarke has asked the former Leicester man to reach out if he’s interested.
Gareth, beware…
Eddie Nketiah – Ghana
Nketiah has just received his first senior England call-up after an impressive youth career with the nation where he became the all-time Under-21s top scorer, surpassing Alan Shearer’s record.
Yet he wasn’t even picked in the matchday squad for England’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine.
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The Arsenal man has the option to play for Ghana and has even rejected call-ups from the Black Stars in the past.
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Callum Huson Odoi – Ghana
Hudson-Odoi seemed certain to be an England player for years to come after bursting onto the scene with Chelsea.
But with the new Nottingham Forest arrival not featuring for England since 2019 and making only three competitive appearances he too could be lured away.
The former Blues winger may fancy his chances of being involved in tournament football elsewhere with Ghana an option for him too through his dad.
Ezri Konsa – DR Congo, Portugal, Angola
Konsa is not short on options when it comes to international football as he could play for FOUR different teams – England, DR Congo, Portugal and Angola.
And he may be tempted to jump ship away from England where he is yet to make a senior appearance despite representing the Three Lions at U21 and U20 level.
Thriving under Unai Emery, but not getting a sniff from Southgate could mean he accepts a call-up from elsewhere soon.
Noni Madueke – Nigeria
Madueke has looked sharp since signing for Chelsea, but clearly not sharp enough to earn a place in the England squad.
The tricky winger has represented the nation all the way from U15s to U21s and was part of England’s U21 European Championship success this summer.
But with stiff competition in his position, Madueke could turn his attention to an international journey with Nigeria.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – DR Congo
You’d be forgiven for making the mistake of thinking Aaron Wan-Bissaka has played for England with the Man Utd star a regular Premier League player for almost six years.
But he hasn’t and as his patience wears thin with Southgate’s selections.
He could choose to represent DR Congo who he previously made one appearance for at U17s level.
Tino Livramento – Scotland, Portugal
Newcastle’s newest defensive addition is a promising young talent who certainly could be called up for England in the future.
But if he struggles to see a path behind the Three Lions’ abundance of right-backs then he always has the option of Scotland through his mum and Portugal through his dad.
Dwight McNeil – Jamaica
McNeil is another who has been a regular in England’s youth setup but hasn’t been able to convince Southgate to role the dice on a senior appearance.
But he’s got options and if he is able to kick on with Everton then he may find himself lining up for Jamaica in the not too distant future.
Morgan Gibbs-White – Jamaica
Since arriving at Nottingham Forest, Gibbs-White has been nothing short of star and the future looks bright for him at just 23 years old.
As an England U17s world champion and U21s Euros winner it would be unbelievable if Southgate and the FA allowed Gibbs-White to line up alongside McNeil for Jamaica in the future.
As frustrating as it would be to see England have this emerging talent snatched from under their noses it has become part of modern day international football.
The Three Lions have themselves cherry picked talent away from other countries including the well documented poaching of Declan Rice and Jack Grealish from the Republic of Ireland.
And if they’re willing to play the game then there are still a few that Southgate’s team could go after to add even more depth to their ranks.
Despite missing out on Leeds born Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala there is still a pool of talent that England could dive in to.
Elliot Anderson
Newcastle’s Elliot Anderson has flipped between representing England and Scotland and is currently part of the Scots’ set up.
However he is still eligible to swap back to England having not made a senior appearance for Scotland yet.
England boss Southgate spoke about his fondness of Anderson ahead of England’s clash with Scotland.
He said: “We liked him and we do like him. He’s a player that’s doing really well.
“Obviously, he was called into their squad earlier in the week and I don’t know what the position is at the moment. I saw he’s pulled out.”
Michael Olise
Crystal Palace have a gem on their hands in Olise and England could too if they act fast to snatch him away from France.
Olise has been representing the French national team at youth level since the U18s, but is yet to have a senior call-up.
Being born in Hammersmith, London means he could be lured to Wembley.
Noel Buck
England have already acted on Noel Buck and they’ll be hoping that they can secure his senior future.
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The promising young MLS star was born in the USA, but has been poached by England already to play for the U19s.
He’s only 18 years old, but could be an important player for the Three Lions in years to come.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
