England star who played vs Australia could switch international allegiance after Gareth Southgate decision

Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah can still switch international allegiance after he was left out of the England squad to take on Italy - despite playing against Australia on Friday.

Nketiah collected his first senior England cap last week after coming off the bench against the Socceroos.

The 24-year-old was named in the Three Lions squad for the first time for September's international fixtures - a Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and an international friendly against Scotland.

However, Nketiah did not play a part in either game. As a result, he remained eligible to switch international allegiance to Ghana in the future prior to the current international break.

And Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton, who formerly managed Newcastle and Brighton, said (quotes via The Sun): "Some players are very definite about what they want. Some are not so sure and some want to see how things develop.

"I think that's been the case with Eddie. We would never say never on him switching to Ghana. But it's always down to what the player wants."

Had Nketiah been named in the squad to take on Italy tonight, and made an appearance, he would no longer be eligible to play for Ghana.

That is because the match, a Euro 2024 qualifier, is classed as a competitive fixture - committing Nketiah to play for England.

The 24-year-old qualifies to play for Ghana through his parents.

Last year, he turned down an approach from the Black Stars to represent them at the World Cup, and stated last month upon his maiden England call-up (quotes via Reuters): "It's a really proud moment for me, my family and my friends. It has been quite the journey to get here - a lot of ups and downs.

"Once the call-up was there, an offer was on the table, it was really hard to turn down and something which I felt was a natural progression for myself at this stage."

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