Evan Ferguson shuts down question about playing for Ireland over England during interview

Evan Ferguson was asked why he is "so committed" to representing Ireland and not England in a recent interview with talkSPORT – and his no-nonsense response has gone viral.

The 19-year-old forward, who penned a new six-year deal with Brighton on Friday, is regarded by many as one of the Premier League's biggest talents.

In fact, during an interview with Sky Sports earlier this year, Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi claimed Ferguson will become "one of the best players in the Premier League" after making such a big impression at the Amex.

Ferguson, who made his Republic of Ireland debut against Norway last year, has scored three times on the international stage.

But as he continues to flourish under Stephen Kenny, questions around his decision to play for The Boys in Green often emerge during on-screen interviews.

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.

That being said, under FIFA rules, a player is unable to switch nations if they already have made three appearances for a country.

A swap to England is not even possible at this stage, and hasn't been since last summer, but the topic continues to crop up, like it did on Friday when talkSPORT sat down for a face-to-face chat with Ferguson.

You can check out the conversation in full below:

Talksport: 'And what's the reason that you're so committed to Ireland?'

Evan Ferguson: 'Because I'm Irish'

Never not at it.pic.twitter.com/vhefO0D4NC

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 10, 2023

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has since responded to the viral video, saying: "Me asking Evan Ferguson, whose mum was born in England, if he was ever tempted to play for England has caused a bit of storm.

"It was a tongue in cheek question as has been a story in the press. He answered it brilliantly with a smile as he did every other question. Top guy."

This isn't the first time Ferguson has been questioned on the matter.

Earlier this year. Brighton's number 28 was asked by Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy if he'd ever considered switching international allegiance to England.

"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!"