Sports
Eddie Nketiah opens door to Black Stars switch amid diminishing England prospects
Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has publicly declared his readiness to represent Ghana at the international level, marking a significant shift in his long-held allegiance to England.
The 25-year-old, who has previously turned down several invitations from the Ghana Football Association, now appears open to donning the jersey of the four-time African champions as the Black Stars edge closer to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on The Beautiful Game podcast, Nketiah revealed his change in stance:
“When I was younger, representing England was an option after progressing through the youth system. But if Ghana invites me, then I’ll be there.”
Nketiah’s recent comments represent a stark contrast to his earlier position, having consistently rebuffed overtures from Ghana during his rise through the English youth ranks.
A product of the England youth system, Nketiah holds the record as the all-time leading scorer for the England U21 side, netting 16 goals in 17 appearances. He even earned a senior call-up in 2023 for matches against Scotland and Ukraine but failed to make the matchday squad. Since then, he has not featured in England plans.
This apparent change of heart comes at a time when Nketiah’s international prospects with England appear increasingly uncertain. Now at Crystal Palace following his tenure at Arsenal and a loan spell at Leeds United, the striker has struggled for consistent form and game time.
His openness to a Ghana switch has raised eyebrows, with critics suggesting that the timing suggests opportunism, particularly with Ghana in strong contention for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
The situation draws parallels to Inaki Williams, the Athletic Bilbao forward who initially declined to represent Ghana before eventually switching allegiance after it became clear he would not feature for Spain. Williams has since become a regular feature for the Black Stars.
Nketiah, born in London to Ghanaian parents, remains eligible to play for Ghana under FIFA regulations, as he has not yet made a competitive senior appearance for England. However, his potential inclusion in the Black Stars setup could reignite debate around national team commitment and the motivations behind late-stage allegiance switches.
The Ghana Football Association has yet to respond to Nketiah’s comments, but should they pursue him again, it could open a new chapter in the striker’s international career, one that may yet see him feature on football’s grandest stage in 2026.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
