sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Portugal Hoping To Persuade England Youngster To Switch National Allegiance

Portugal Hoping To Persuade England Youngster To Switch National Allegiance

England have lost some youngsters to different international teams despite their growing reputation, and they could lose another.

Portugal are hoping to be the latest country to persuade a promising young England player to switch national allegiance.

England are lucky to be brimming with young talent at the moment, especially having reached the World Cup semi final in 2018 and the Euro final in 2020.

The likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham are all already important members of the squad and Mason Greenwood isn't far from joining them.

However, in the last year the FA have missed out on two potential future stars, with Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala and Valencia's Yunus Musah choosing to play for Germany and USA, respectively, despite playing for England's youth teams.

The departures away from the Three Lions could continue, with Portugal eyeing Fulham 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho, according to the Daily Mail.

Carvalho playing for Fulham this season. Image: PA Images
Carvalho playing for Fulham this season. Image: PA Images

The teenager has played for England's under 16, 17 and 18 teams so far and is expected to one day be called up to the senior team.

However the Portuguese FA are hoping to fast track the winger into their under 21 team straight away, in an effort to get him to switch.

The English FA are hoping that Carvalho continues to represent them, however the former Benfica academy player was born in Lisbon and could choose to represent the country of his birth.

Carvalho scored on his Premier League debut for Fulham last season, against Southampton, and made four appearances for the Cottagers in the campaign.

His form this term, following the west London club's relegation, has seen him start five of their six Championship games, scoring three times and getting an assist.

Carvalho celebrates his first Premier League goal. Image: PA Images
Carvalho celebrates his first Premier League goal. Image: PA Images

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi was previously linked with making a switch to Ghana, despite playing three times for Southgate's team in official matches.

If a player plays three or less games for a country before they're 21, competitive or otherwise, they can still change country, as long as they're eligible and the games weren't at a major tournament finals.

Hudson-Odoi's competitive fixtures came in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, and he hasn't played since 2019, with his opportunities at his club also restricted, he recently turned down an England under 21 call up.

There has been talk as well that Jamaica want to persuade Greenwood to switch allegiance, which they've attempted with several players, including successfully with Michail Antonio.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, England, Portugal, Fulham