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Football

23rd May 2023

Evan Ferguson shuts down talk that he will switch allegiance from Ireland to England

Robert Redmond

“I can tell you now, it’s a no.”

Evan Ferguson shot down any suggestion that he would switch international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England during an interview with Sky Sports,

The Brighton and Hove Albion striker, 18, is from Bettystown in Co. Meath and has been capped three times at senior level for Ireland.

Ferguson, however, is eligible to play for England, as his mother is from the country.

Earlier this year, a British publication wrote that the player could potentially play for the Three Lions.

Evan Ferguson asked by Sky Sports if he’d switch to England.

This has led to talk that Ferguson could switch allegiance if England boss Gareth Southgate were to launch a charm offensive.

In the last decade, Ireland lost both Declan Rice and Jack Grealish to England, but both were born in England and qualified for Ireland through a grandparent. Ferguson, however, was born in Ireland and grew up in the country.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the Ireland striker was asked if he had considered switching international allegiance to England. Ferguson instantly shot down any suggestion that he would play for England.

“No,” the Brighton striker said.

“Obviously, my mam is English, and that’s where the talk comes in. I’ve seen a few saying, ‘Will he (switch allegiances)?’ But I can tell you now, it’s a no.”

Ferguson then joked that his dad wouldn’t allow him to return home if he switched allegiances to England.

You can watch the interview below, with the section on Ireland and England beginning at around 4:30.

Clip via Sky Sports.

Ferguson recently signed a new contract with Brighton amid interest from several top clubs.

The striker scored twice in the Seagulls’ 3-1 win over Southampton last weekend to take his goal tally in the Premier League this season to six.

No teenager in the division has scored more goals this season.

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