FIFA has confirmed Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun’s request to change his national team allegiance from England to the United States.
The 21-year-old, who was born in New York and is currently on loan at French club Reims, previously represented England at the Under-21 level but has now decided to pursue his senior international career with his country of birth.
A FIFA spokesperson told the PA news agency said: “The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved.”
The news comes just weeks before England are due to launch their European Under-21 Championship finals campaign in Georgia and Romania.
Balogun has made 13 appearances for Lee Carsley’s side, but withdrew from the squad in March due to injury.
Having been born in America, Balogun moved to England when he was two years old and also qualifies for Nigeria through his parents.
— Balogun (@balogun) May 13, 2023
Qualifying players are allowed to switch associations before they have played a competitive match for a nation’s senior team.
Balogun has made 10 first-team appearances and scored two goals for the Gunners, and spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough.
However, he has made a name for himself in Ligue 1 this season with 19 goals in 34 appearances to date.