England International Could Play Against Them at World Cup Next Year

A three-cap England international is 'working behind the scenes' to try and switch international allegiance ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to reports.

After becoming the first European nation to win eight qualifying games without conceding a single goal, Thomas Tuchel's side have discovered their group stage opponents for next summer's historic 48-team tournament.

The Three Lions will come up against Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L.

Croatia, who beat England in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, were the highest ranked team from pot two, while Panama sit 30th in the FIFA rankings after making the quarter-finals at recent Copa America and Gold Cup tournaments.

Ghana, meanwhile, are one of the lowest-ranked teams to have already qualified for next summer's tournament but they could provide a stern test for Tuchel's men, with Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo in their ranks.

Tuchel watches on at the World Cup draw in Washington. Image credit: Getty

As well as Kudus and Semenyo, head coach Otto Addo could have another Premier League player at his disposal next summer.

It has emerged that Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is 'seriously considering' switching his international allegiance to Ghana ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to The Sun.

The 25-year-old, who has Ghanaian parents, represented England at youth level and went on to earn three caps for the Three Lions in 2019.

Back in 2022, Hudson-Odoi reportedly snubbed Ghana's advances ahead of the World Cup as he hoped to play for England again, but it seems he is now determined to play for the Black Stars.

In fact, the former Chelsea winger is 'working behind the scenes' to ensure he can get the necessary paperwork in place to represent the country next summer.

"At 25, Hudson-Odoi believes now is the right time to play international football and feels his future lies with Ghana, rather than continuing to wait for another England call-up," the report adds.

For those unaware, a player can switch nationality provided they have played no more than three competitive matches at senior level prior to turning 21. Hudson Odoi was still a teenager when he represented England.

Hudson-Odoi played for Gareth Southgate's England in 2019. Image credit: Getty

Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah could also switch his international allegiance from England to Ghana ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Nketiah, who won his only senior cap for England in a friendly against Australia in October 2023, recently addressed rumours of a possible switch.

"At the moment, I'm just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace - that's been my main focus," Nketiah told BBC Sport Africa. "I'm Ghanaian and there's no denying that. Obviously I'm proud of my roots and where I've come from.

"I'm sure the future will take care of itself and what will be will be."

He added: "I haven't had any calls or anything recently, so my focus has just been on playing well each week and helping my team win trophies. If I'm doing well and doing the right things then naturally the international future will resolve itself when it's time to make that decision."