“I’m thinking about it” – Callum Hudson-Odoi on whether he will switch nationality to play for Ghana or not

Callum Hudson-Odoi is contemplating the possibility of representing Ghana in international football, despite his history of playing for England at various youth levels.

The 22-year-old, who has Ghanaian heritage through his parents, is still mulling over the decision, keeping his options open for a potential switch in allegiance.

Hudson-Odoi has been a prominent figure in England’s youth teams, featuring for the under-16s, under-17s, under-18s, under-19s, and under-21s before earning caps for the senior England national team, known as the Three Lions.

However, the prospect of playing for Ghana remains on the table due to recent changes in FIFA’s eligibility rules.

The player’s familial ties to Ghana are strong, with his father, Bismark Odoi, having played for the renowned Ghana Premier League club Hearts of Oak during the 1990s before moving to England. This connection adds an extra layer of significance to the decision facing Hudson-Odoi.

Despite already making three senior appearances for England, Hudson-Odoi has not been part of the national team setup for an extended period. He has turned down call-ups and was subsequently relegated to England’s under-21 squad.

With his career taking a new turn following his transfer from Chelsea to Nottingham Forest during the summer, Hudson-Odoi is eager to revive his international aspirations.

In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, Hudson-Odoi shared his thoughts on the matter, stating, “That decision hasn’t been made yet.

I’m still thinking it over. Ghana is a very good option but let’s wait and see. Hopefully, once I start playing games here, maybe Gareth [Southgate] or Ghana will come. It’s a nice position to be in, and hopefully sooner or later, we will know.”

Hudson-Odoi’s potential switch to represent Ghana in international football could reshape his career and open new opportunities for him on the global stage.

As he adapts to his new environment at Nottingham Forest, he remains hopeful of a return to international football, with the decision on his national team allegiance still hanging in the balance.

In a related development, Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah also has the possibility of representing Ghana in the future. Nketiah was recently called up to the England national team but did not make any appearances during the September international break.

This leaves his eligibility to play for Ghana intact, and like Hudson-Odoi, he has the choice to explore his options on the international stage.

Nketiah, a promising young talent, has already established himself as a prolific goal-scorer at the club level. His potential inclusion in the Ghanaian national team would add depth and firepower to the squad.

As Nketiah navigates his international career, the possibility of representing Ghana remains a viable option, and it will be interesting to see how he approaches this decision in the coming years.

The choice of national team allegiance is a significant decision for any footballer, as it not only impacts their international career but also carries personal and cultural significance.

Both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah find themselves in a unique position, with the opportunity to choose the path that best aligns with their aspirations and connections.

In the case of Hudson-Odoi, the allure of playing for Ghana, with its rich footballing history and passionate fan base, is undoubtedly an appealing prospect.

The decision-making process, however, remains ongoing as he continues to focus on his club career at Nottingham Forest.

As for Nketiah, the possibility of representing Ghana adds an intriguing dimension to his international journey.

While he has worn the England jersey at the youth level, the prospect of donning the Ghanaian national team colors could open new doors and create a lasting legacy in African football.

In the ever-evolving landscape of international football, where eligibility rules allow players to switch allegiances, the decisions made by players like Hudson-Odoi and Nketiah will shape not only their individual careers but also contribute to the global tapestry of the sport.

Ultimately, the choice to represent a particular nation is a deeply personal one, driven by a combination of factors that reflect each player’s unique story and aspirations on the football pitch.