Folarin Balogun set to represent USMNT over England after FIFA ...

Folarin Balogun is set to represent the United States after his switch of allegiance from England was approved by FIFA.

The 21-year-old forward, who played for the U.S. at under-18 level before switching to England, can represent either country as he was born in Brooklyn, New York but moved to London when he was two years old. He is also eligible to represent Nigeria.

FIFA rules enable players to switch national eligibility before making a competitive senior appearance at international level.

Balogun has spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Reims from Arsenal, scoring 19 times in 34 league appearances.

“My decision to represent the United States, it came together with my family,” he said. “We decided it would be the right thing for me, to represent the country I was born in.

“In the end it became a no-brainer, but for sure, it’s just something I wanted to do and it feels like I’m at home here.

“To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honored to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.”

USMNT head coach, Anthony Hudson, added: “We are delighted that Folarin has chosen to represent the United States.

“Not only is he an extremely talented player, he’s also a good man who is going to add value to our national team both on and off the field at a time when the team is continuing to improve.

“It’s clear that he values his U.S. roots and we can’t wait for him to come in and be a part of the team.”

Balogun was called up by England’s Under-21’s for March’s fixtures against France and Germany but withdrew due to a hamstring injury.

He travelled to Orlando, where the U.S. were training, during the international window. Hudson admitted “discussions” had taken place with the forward during March’s international break, adding that it was “an opportunity to share about our program”.

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Speaking after announcing his squad for March’s international fixtures, England manager Gareth Southgate said Balogun would have to be patient regarding a call up to the senior side.

“It is up to the player to weigh up where his heart feels,” Southgate said. “Is he prepared to wait a little bit for an opportunity if he backs himself and feels he can push his way into our squad? Because anybody who has followed us will know that we will give young players a chance.

“So, we cannot go and give first-team call-ups to someone just because we don’t want them to go somewhere else.”

Balogun made four appearances for the U.S. Under-18s in 2018 alongside current USMNT players Taylor Booth, Aidan Morris and Bryan Reynolds before going on to represent England at various youth levels.

The U.S. are next in action on June 16 when they face Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League. The CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is being hosted in the U.S., takes place between June 24 and July 16.

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(Photo: Getty Images)