By David Awopetu
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has been called up to the England national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland later this month.
Three Lions Boss, Gareth Southgate, included the 19-year-old England-born forward of Nigerian origin in his 26-man squad.
In what has become a change in approach, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had earlier said it will be up to the player — and others with dual nationality who are eligible to represent Nigeria — to decide whether to represent the country.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick said in an Instagram Live chat with the federation’s official channel, that players would not be begged to represent Nigeria.
Pinnick’s statement is indicative of the NFF’s new strategy, following criticism of their methods of approaching dual nationals and elevating them over home-grown players.
Southgate also recalled Jesse Lingard, Luke Shaw and John Stones to his squad.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone have also been called up for the first time.
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has not been included in the 26-man squad.
England play San Marino at home on 25 March, are in Albania on 28 March and then host Poland on 31 March.
Midfielder Lingard, who is on loan at West Ham from Manchester United, last played for the national team in June 2019.
Borussia Dortmund’s 17-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham is in the squad but could miss out because of coronavirus restrictions in Germany.
Bellingham’s club-mate Jadon Sancho misses out with injury, along with midfielders Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Manchester City centre-back Stones has not played for England since November 2019, while Manchester United left-back Shaw’s last game for the national side was in September 2018.
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford, who has 13 Premier League goals this season, has missed out but Southgate, said he was “very close” to being picked.
Instead, the England boss opted for Watkins, who has 10 league goals in his first top-flight campaign.
