Evan Ferguson responds to possibility of switching allegiance from Ireland to England

Evan Ferguson was asked if he would ever switch international allegiance to England in a recent interview – and his answer is definitive, to say the least.

The 18-year-old Brighton striker has enjoyed an impressive breakout campaign with the Seagulls. So far, he has scored 10 goals in all competitions under Roberto De Zerbi, including six in the Premier League.

As a reward for his fine form, Ferguson earned a first senior call-up in November, when he was included in Ireland's 26-man squad for friendlies against Norway and Malta.

Then in March, he became the youngest goalscorer for his country since Robbie Keane after finding the net on his first start for Stephen Kenny's side – a 3-2 win over Latvia.

Ferguson has won a total of four caps for his country, although he is still able to make an international switch to England because of FIFA’s eligibility rules.

His mother, Sarah, was born in England, while his father Barry – a former Republic of Ireland U21 international who played for Coventry and Longford Town – hails from Dublin.

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who both qualified to play for Ireland through a grandparent, made the much-talked about switch to play for the Three Lions.

But one thing is for certain; Evan Ferguson will continue to play for his country of birth.

When asked by Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy if he had considered switching international allegiance to England, the teenager made his feelings very clear.

"No," he laughed. "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 commented on how his father, Barry, might react if he made the move. "I wouldn’t be allowed back!" he said.

You can see that conversation below:

❌ England
✅ Republic of Ireland

Evan Ferguson says he wouldn’t be allowed back in the country by his dad if he switched allegiances to his mother’s nationality. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/JdGp9S6U1M

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 23, 2023

In an interview with Sky Sports this week, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi claimed Ferguson will become "one of the best players and best strikers in the Premier League.”

Back in March, he also opened up on how Ferguson can improve even more.

He said: “I’m working, and my staff are working, to improve him – to become not only a No.9, not only a striker, but in terms of understanding the play, to receive the ball or to attack the space and not only one thing. To complete the player, to complete the guy.

“He is a very good guy and I think if you work with a clever guy it is nice because he understands immediately and he improves day by day.

“He is a fantastic striker, his quality is to score goals. But, in the Premier League, in the high level where he can arrive, it is not enough to score goals. You have to play, you have to understand the play."

🗣️ “I think he will become one of the 𝘽𝙀𝙎𝙏 players and 𝘽𝙀𝙎𝙏 strikers in the Premier League.”

Roberto De Zerbi on forward Evan Ferguson.👏 pic.twitter.com/lwff962Gmv

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 23, 2023

De Zerbi added: “You have to play like a midfielder when you are far from the goal area and like a striker in the last 20 metres. We need Ferguson and (Danny) Welbeck to work like No.10, not only No.9.”