Boothroyd explains why Bayern Munich star of Nigerian decent picked Germany over England

England U21 coach Aidy Boothroyd respects the decision of Bayern Munich super talent Jamal Musiala to pledge his international future to Germany over England.

The Stuttgart-born attacking midfielder also qualifies to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father but the Nigerian Federation were down the pecking order in the race for his services.

Boothroyd, who handed an England U21 debut to Musiala four months ago, believes Musiala chose to represent Germany rather than England because he speaks German, plays for a German club and lives with his German mother.

"Jamal is a very measured young man. He's obviously thought it through," Boothroyd was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"When you're working in Germany, speak German and you live with your German mum, it's very difficult to persuade him that he's actually English.

"It was his decision, he talked about having a heart for Germany and I totally understand that.

"We wish him the best of luck and we move on and focus on the players who want to be part of what we want to build."

Joachim Löw's team face Iceland (March 25), Romania (March 28) and North Macedonia (March 31) and Musiala would become cap-tied to Germany for life if he features in all the matches since he's an U21 player.

Igho Kingsley