Southgate invites Arsenal's Nigeria-eligible striker to train with England senior squad

England manager Gareth Southgate invited Arsenal striker of Nigerian descent Folarin Balogun to train with the Three Lions on Tuesday.

The English Football Association informed this evening that four Young Lions players were involved in today's workout, the others being Morgan Gibbs-White, Jacob Ramsey and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The Three Lions are preparing to take on Hungary, Germany and Italy in UEFA Nations League matches this month.

This is not the first time Southgate has invited a promising player of Nigerian descent to train with the senior squad, with ex-Fulham midfielder Tayo Edun and Chelsea academy product Dominic Solanke working out with the Three Lions in November 2017 and September 2018 respectively. 

Balogun has been selected in the latest England U21 squad for upcoming games against Czech Republic, Kosovo, Albania and Slovenia in U21 Euro qualifying.

The Hale End Academy graduate has played  thirty one senior games combined for Arsenal and Middlesbrough FC, where he spent the second half of last season, scoring five goals.

Born in New York City, Balogun is also eligible to represent the United States apart from England and Nigeria.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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