Arsenal Striker Eligible For Nigeria, Balogun Withdraws From England U19 Squad

Published: September 05, 2019

Prolific Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun will not be making his debut for England U19 squad in September despite receiving a call-up last month.

The English Football Association has confirmed that Balogun has withdrawn from the Young Lions squad due to injury and his roster spot has been handed to Leeds United frontman Ryan Edmondson.

Balogun was among four Nigeria-eligible players named on the original roster by manager Paul Simpson, the others being West Ham loanee Ajibola Alese, Chelsea whizkid Faustino Anjorin and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal first team boss Unai Emery will be hoping that Balogun's injury is not a big issue as the attacker is believed to be in his plans ahead of upcoming Cup games, having trained with the first team in the new season.

Aged 18-year-old and born in New York, he has played for England and United States at U18 level and was part of the Young Lions team that reached the semifinals of the 2018 U17 EURO.

With 25 goals to his name from 19 appearances in the U18 Premier League, Balogun was the top-scoring 17-year-old in English youth football last season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com