Ghana’s hopes of capping talented youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi has almost ended as the winger has been called up to the England senior squad for the first time.
The 18-year-old, whose father is the former Hearts of Oak Bismark Odoi, was one of the players targeted by Ghana authorities for a nationality switch in the coming months.
The Chelsea winger was born to an English mother and a Ghanaian father so he is eligible to play for Ghana but he must switch allegiance with as he has already for the youth side of England.
Despite having limited playing time under Chelsea coach Sarri, the youngster has scored five times in 19 appearances all competition even though he has not made a start in the Premier League.
Hudson-Odoi was this week called for the England U21s but was handed a late invite by coach Gareth Southgate to prepare for the European Qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro and he is excited.
“It’s been a crazy day but getting my first [senior] international call-up is an amazing feeling,” Hudson-Odoi said.
“Today has been a very long day for me because I had to travel to Bristol first for the U21s and then getting told that I have to come over here to St. George’s Park, it’s been a crazy experience but I’m delighted to get the call and it’s a nice feeling to be here as well.
“I thought the manager [Aidy Boothroyd] was joking. I was shocked and then when I heard that I actually had to go over, I couldn’t believe it. I was delighted. It’s a dream come true.
“Now I’ve got to work hard, enjoy every moment and keep working to just hopefully make an impact when I get the opportunity.
“Everybody here is very humble and they’re very nice. They make sure you’re comfortable, no one has an ego here so hopefully I get to know more of the boys here.”
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The call up almost ends Ghana chase for the youngster who is hugely talented and could boost the Black Stars squad in future.
With the Africa Cup of Nations looming in Egypt, it was thought coach Kwesi Appiah who played along with the father of the youngster in the Ghana top-flight could make a push for a nationality switch for the winger.
If Husdon-Odoi makes a debut in the two matches scheduled for England from the weekend, he wont be able to play for the country of his father forever as FIFA rules currently wont allow that.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
