Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun to play for USA over England after FIFA approves switch of national eligibility

Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has chosen to represent the United States at international level rather than England.

Balogun was born in New York but soon moved to London and grew up there. He was also eligible for Nigeria through his parents.

He has represented England and USA at youth levels, most recently scoring six goals to help England qualify for the European Under-21 Championship this summer.

Players are permitted to switch before playing a competitive game at senior level.

Arsenal forward Balogun has been in brilliant form this season during a loan spell with Reims.

He has scored 19 goals in Ligue 1 and is behind only Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, who has 26 goals, in the scoring charts.

“London is my city, it’s where I grew up, where my friends are, and if people ask me where I’m from, I say I’m English. But, yes, I am a mixture of all these cultures.”

Balogun could make his debut for the USA when they face Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League on June 16.

It is not clear where Balogun’s future lies at domestic level.

When he returns to Arsenal this summer from his loan spell he will have two years left on his deal.

But he faces competition at the Emirates for a starting spot up front from Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

Arsenal are currently four points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and could see their title hopes ended this weekend.