World Cup 2026

JACOB MURPHY has reportedly been approached about switching his international allegiance.The 29-year-old winger is enjoying an impressive season for Newcastle in the Premier League. Jacob Murphy has enjoyed a strong season at St James ParkCredit: GettyThe Toon winger has already registered 9 assists this seasonCredit: GettyMurphy has scored five times for the Toon so far in 2024/25.He also leads the club’s assists charts with nine, already a career-high tally with three months of the season to go. There have been suggestions England manager Thomas Tuchel should call up Murphy for his first Three Lions squad.Murphy played for England across four youth age groups, with his last involvement in the under-21 Euros in 2017. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, according to reports in Nigeria, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has “made contact” in a bid to get Murphy to switch allegiance.The former Norwich star qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father. Nigeria have endured a tough start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles had been expected to cruise through a group that features South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut three draws and a defeat from their opening 4 games have made things tough for the African country, who have reached six of the last seven World Cups.As well as Nigeria, Murphy is eligible to represent Ireland through his mother.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyMurphy has proved to be an unsung hero this season at St James Park.Newcastle are chasing the European places, with striker Alexander Isak stealing the plaudits thanks to a remarkable run of form.Boss Eddie Howe has come out to praise Murphy – and claims Isak’s heroics are in part down to the winger.Howe said: “He’s been very, very important and probably more than people realise.Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle reportedly wants to tempt Murphy to switch international allegianceCredit: AFP”We ask a lot of Jacob in lots of different ways, he plays an important role.”Of course, everyone plays an important role in our pressing with the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s been brilliant and the assists and the goals that he’s got in the last few weeks.”Isak probably owes him the majority of his goals with his crossing ability which has always been very strong.” More