Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi will make a decision on his international future before the World Cup as he weighs up a switch to Ghana after the African nation qualified for the tournament.
Hudson-Odoi has three caps for England but has not featured for Gareth Southgate’s side since late 2019, meaning it will be three years since he made an appearance come the World Cup in Qatar.
The 21-year-old, who rejected a call-up for England Under-21s earlier this season, is eligible for Ghana through his father who has met with former Brighton manager, Chris Hughton, who is advising the country’s FA.
After Ghana beat Nigeria to qualify for this year’s World Cup, Hudson-Odoi is now weighing up whether to make the switch.
Despite having played for England at senior level, Hudson-Odoi can still switch allegiance given the three appearances came before he turned 21.
Sources indicate that there remains a long way to go if the Chelsea academy graduate is to make a switch and that it would have to be on good terms for his career too, with guarantees around playing time expected to be discussed.
Hudson-Odoi also has to weigh up the commitment required to play for and travel to Ghana during international breaks for the rest of his career for the chance to feature in one World Cup this year, especially when - given his age - there remains the prospect of a career with England.
Hudson-Odoi held talks with the England setup after snubbing the call-up to Lee Carsley’s Young Lions squad in order to focus on his progression at Chelsea, but Southgate was not impressed with the move.
“He feels he would be best served staking a case for the team with Chelsea,” the England manager said in November. “I think he has a better chance of impressing us if he is with the Under-21s as well, frankly.”
