Sports News of Sunday, 29 August 2021
Source: ghanasoccernet.com
2021-08-29
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says Callum Hudson-Odoi will have to deal with consequences following his decision not to play for the England U21 team.
The Ghana target turned down an invitation to once again represent England at U21 level. This was after Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate named his squad for the next month’s World Cup qualifiers without the winger.
“It’s his decision and nothing to do with my opinion or the club’s,” the German said ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Liverpool this weekend.
“If I speculate a little bit I think it’s about disappointment that he is not nominated for the first team, but at the same time maybe he did not have enough minutes to be nominated for the first team.
“I could see the upgrade in having some minutes and being in a leading role for the Under-21s but he decided differently so he will deal with the consequences.”
The decision by the 20-year-old has led to some Ghanaians believing he is thinking about switching international allegiance and committing to Ghana.
During his summer break, Hudson-Odoi visited his native country, Ghana and met President Akufo-Addo who urged the Minister for Youth and Sports and football heads to explore the possibility of having the winger play for the Black Stars.
Hudson-Odoi, born in London to Ghanaian parents, decided to represent England, having played for the youth teams of the European country.
Thus far, he has made three appearances for the Three Lions. However, he can switch and play for Ghana after Fifa revised its eligibility rules last year.
According to Fifa, players can now switch national teams provided they are eligible to represent them as long as they have played no more than three matches (including friendlies), none of the matches were in the final tournament of the FIFA World Cup or confederation competition, and they all happened before the player turned 21.
The attacker wasn’t even 20 when he played all three games for England, so there’s a huge possibility he can make a U-turn and don the Black Stars colours in future.