Callum Hudson-Odoi is enjoying somewhat of a resurgence at Chelsea and the attention will duly turn to where his international future lies. There remains a question mark over whether or not the winger can restart his England career or whether the Three Lions will lose him altogether.
Despite having represented England’s seniors on three occasions – and all three caps coming in competitive matches – Hudson Odoi remains eligible for Ghana.
A FIFA eligibility rule change in September 2020 means players who have played no more than three senior competitive matches before the age of 21 are permitted to switch international allegiance provided none of those matches came in a continental finals tournament or a World Cup.
Gareth Southgate didn’t call up the winger to his 25-man squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino in the November international break.
The 20-year-old has justifiably been left out of recent England squads due to his fringe status under Thomas Tuchel at club level, but there was a case to pick him this time around.
Raheem Sterling has often found himself on the bench for his club but retains his place based on past international performances. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has had just three starts this season since his return from a shoulder injury.
Hudson-Odoi, in that timeframe, has started the last four Chelsea games with his side top of the Premier League, in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and in a good position in their Champions League group.
Southgate on Thursday explained his omission of Hudson-Odoi, who has declined to participate with the under-21s, while also name-checking the likes of Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, Emile Smith Rowe, Tino Livramento and Fikayo Tomori.
KASTLE90.3FM – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
Follow us on Twitter: @kastle903fm
#kastle90.3fm, Cape Coast
#…Blending tradition with style
Source: goal.com
