Folarin Balogun decides on his international future

Folarin Balogun is a player with a particular case since he has represented the United States and England internationally.

Born in New York, he mostly represented England at youth levels but did feature for the United States at the Under-18 level in 2018.

The Arsenal player, who is on loan at French Ligue 1 Reims, has had a spectacular season scoring 17 goals in 27 games.

With great potential yet to be developed, the USMNT wants to take over his services and for the player to choose to represent the Stars and Stripes team.

United States interim coach Anthony Hudson has held a meeting with the player to try to convince him. Hudson told the media on Thursday: “As I’ve said before, we’ve had dialogue. We’ve spoken. He’s out here having a bit of a break and then some training and we’ve had some discussions.

“I think it’s been good because it’s been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do, and that’s it. I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. It’s been good, and I know a few of the guys have spoken to him as well.”

Hudson’s meeting with Balogun has come at the perfect time, as the player missed out on Gareth Southgate’s cut for the Euro 2024 qualifiers squad.

Balogun responded to the announcement of the English team with the following message on his Instagram: “In life, go where you’re appreciated. Be easy.” which seems to indicate that the player has felt little valued by the Three Lions.