Ghanaian heartbreak as Arsenal's Nketiah earns first England call up

Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah (Imago)

Ghanaian heartbreak as Arsenal's Nketiah earns first England call up

Ayoola Kelechi 23:15 - 31.08.2023

Eddie Nketiah's decision to shun a Ghanaian call-up seems to be paying dividends after the Arsenal striker was called up for England ahead of the September international break

Ghana is set to lose out on a top talent after Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah received his first call-up for England to play in the September international window, likely ending any hopes that he would play for the black stars.

Nketiah’s Ghana refusal paying dividends

Nketiah is eligible to represent Ghana through both his parents but has always shown a preference for representing the Three Lions of England, even when presented with the opportunity to play for the Black Stars.

The Arsenal forward was offered a chance to play for the country of his parents’ origin ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with a place in Qatar guaranteed if he accepted, but he declined the offer, choosing to wait for his opportunity with England.

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Unlike other stars like Tariq Lamptey and Inaki Willams, who took advantage of Ghana’s generous offer to play at the World Cup, Nketiah decided it was best to keep his faith with the England national team, and his decision appears to have borne fruit.

Nketiah set for England debut

After representing England at U18, U19, U20, and U21 levels, Nketiah has finally been handed a senior national team call-up by Gareth Southgate and could be set to make his debut for the senior team in the upcoming international window.

With the absence of Ivan Toney due to a suspension, Nketiah has played his way into the reckoning for England after nine goals in the 2022/23 season and two goals in four games already this campaign, and he will hope that he continues to impress Southgate with his performances for Arsenal.

The Three Lions play against Ukraine in a UEFA European Championships qualifier during the September international break and will then play a friendly match against Scotland, with Nketiah likely to get his debut in one of those games.

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