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| Eddie Nketiah |
Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has finally opened the door to playing for the Black Stars, after years of keeping faith with England. The 25-year-old forward, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents, says he’s now ready to honour a call-up from Ghana if it comes.
Speaking on The Beautiful Game podcast, Nketiah admitted that while his earlier focus was on playing for England, things have changed:
“When I was younger, representing England was an option after progressing through the youth system. But if Ghana invites me, then I’ll be there.”
This is a big shift from his earlier stance, as Nketiah had previously turned down several approaches from the Ghana Football Association (GFA). For years, he stayed loyal to England, rising through the youth ranks and even becoming the all-time top scorer for the England U21 side with 16 goals in just 17 matches. He received a senior team call-up in 2023 for matches against Scotland and Ukraine but didn’t get to play. Since then, England hasn’t come calling again.
Now at Crystal Palace after spells at Arsenal and Leeds United, Nketiah has been struggling for consistent minutes and form. And with his chances of breaking into the England senior side looking slimmer, his openness to playing for Ghana has sparked new interest — and debate.
Some critics believe his change of heart might be influenced by Ghana’s strong chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Others, however, see it as a son of the land finally deciding to come home.
The situation feels similar to that of Inaki Williams, who once turned down Ghana but later switched allegiances after it became clear he wouldn't play for Spain. Williams is now a key player for the Black Stars and has become a fan favourite.
Though Nketiah has represented England at youth levels, he remains eligible for Ghana under FIFA rules, since he hasn’t played a competitive senior game for England. If the GFA takes him up on his new willingness, he could be wearing the national colours sooner than expected — and possibly even at the World Cup.
For now, the Ghana Football Association is yet to make a public response. But if a fresh call is made and accepted, it would mark a new beginning — one filled with hope, national pride, and maybe a bit of redemption.
Only time will tell, but one thing is now clear: Eddie Nketiah is ready. If Ghana calls, he’ll be there.
