Premier League star considering turning back on England to play for different country instead

Eddie Nketiah has played just one match for the Three Lions
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Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah is set to turn his back on England and represent Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations, ending years of uncertainty over his international future.
The 26-year-old forward, who has just one cap for the Three Lions, is now reportedly ready to commit to the country of his parents’ birth as Ghana prepare for next year’s tournament.
Nketiah made his debut for England in October 2023, coming on as a late substitute in a 1–0 friendly victory over Australia.
Despite his prolific record at youth level, where he became England’s all-time top scorer for the under-21s, he has not featured again.
With competition for attacking places fierce, the striker appears to have accepted that his international career with England is unlikely to progress further.
According to African football journalist Saddick Adams, Nketiah has now opened the door to representing Ghana.
Writing on X, Adams said he had spoken to a member of Nketiah’s family, who confirmed that the player’s mindset had shifted.
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Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah is set to turn his back on England and represent Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations, ending years of uncertainty over his international future
|PA
“Spoke to Eddie Nketiah’s family this weekend to get clarity on the stories about his switch,” Adams wrote.
“The source admitted that Eddie Nketiah had previously spoken to the Ghana coach and some GFA top officials but he had not settled at his club yet so couldn’t make a decision.
“However, Nketiah is now settled and at 26, matured enough and ready to ‘give his very best’ if Ghana calls now. Says he has Ghana blood running through him so his ‘identity is unquestionable’. Basically, he’s open to playing for Ghana now.”
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Eddie Nketiah has just one appearance for England
|PA
Nketiah qualifies to represent Ghana through his parents and remains eligible under FIFA rules, as his only England appearance came in a non-competitive match.
His switch could now be formalised in time for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in just over two months.
For Ghana, the news offers a timely boost ahead of their bid to end a 43-year wait for continental glory.
The Black Stars, four-time winners of the competition, last lifted the trophy in 1982 and have endured a string of near-misses since.
Coach Otto Addo has been eager to strengthen his attacking options, and Nketiah’s Premier League pedigree could prove crucial in that pursuit.
The London-born striker has long been courted by Ghana’s football authorities, but previous overtures were rebuffed as Nketiah focused on breaking into England’s senior setup.
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Eddie Nketiah is currently at Crystal Palace, where he's scored nine goals since joining the club in 2024
|PA
Now, settled at Crystal Palace and enjoying regular football, he appears ready to embrace his Ghanaian heritage and play a central role in the country’s revival on the international stage.
His decision mirrors that of several English-born players who have opted to represent their ancestral nations in recent years, including Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Nketiah made his name at Arsenal, scoring 38 goals in 168 appearances for the Gunners.
Since joining Palace in 2024, the forward has bagged nine goals from 41 games.