Brighton striker Evan Ferguson could yet switch his international allegiance to England - despite already winning six senior caps for the Republic of Ireland.
The 18-year-old currently sits second in the Premier League Golden Boot race after scoring four goals in four games.
He opened his account for the 2023/24 season on August 12 after netting against Luton Town in the 95th minute. The total was then brought to four after he put three balls past Newcastle United No. 1 Nick Pope earlier this weekend.
Right now the only player ahead of him is Erling Haaland - who has scored six goals and made one assist in four games for Manchester City.
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Since making his senior league debut for the Seagulls in February 2022, Ferguson has gone on to make 24 Premier League appearances and has earned six senior caps for Ireland.
A product of the youth system, the forward had played for the under-15s, under-17s, and Republic of Ireland under-21 teams before receiving his first senior appearance in November 2022 against Norway.
The Telegraph report that Ferguson remains eligible to play for England despite making six international appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
Ferguson qualifies for the England national team due to his mother being English.
But unlike Jack Grealish and Declan Rice - who both eventually switched their affiliation from Ireland to England - there is apparently no chance of Ferguson being swayed to join Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Back in April, Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath reported that the Brighton star would not be changing his international allegiance.
The 18-year-old himself has also doubled down on these claims, stating in an interview with Sky Sports that he, “wouldn’t be allowed back in the country by his dad” if he followed in Grealish and Rice’s footsteps.
Despite making multiple appearances for Stephen Kenny’s side, McGrath reports that Ferguson does still qualify for England but has “never wavered from Rep of Ireland”.
Following his phenomenal performance against Newcastle on Saturday, 2 September, fans have taken to social media to discuss whether the striker should become an England star or whether he should stick to being one of the Boys in Green.
One fan wrote: “That Evan Ferguson will make a great player for England. Could become as good as Rice & Grealish for the national team.”
“I swear every England fan is checking if Evan Ferguson has English grandparents right now,” commented another.
A third wrote: “People who think Evan Ferguson will switch to England is actually laughable. Can you not hear his accent. He is Ireland born and bred. No chance he switches.”
Elsewhere, another football fan wrote: “I’m gutted Evan Ferguson is Irish. Absolutely gutted. Easily would of been Kane’s replacement for years in the England squad.”
Another countered and commented: “Hopefully Evan Ferguson (sic) doesn't switch up to England like every other talented sportsman Ireland has produced.”
Topics: Brighton And Hove Albion, England, Football, Gareth Southgate, Premier League, Republic of Ireland
Ella Scott