Ex-Chelsea star backs Arsenal's Super Eagles-eligible striker to represent England at Euro 2024

Arsenal-owned striker Folarin Balogun has backing from former Chelsea star Tony Cascarino to represent England at the 2024 European Championship. 

The Hale End Academy product is provisionally cap-tied to England but remains eligible to represent his country of birth United States as well as Nigeria, where his parents originally hail from. 

Balogun has been in remarkable form for Reims this season, getting the headlines for his goals, with eight in fifteen appearances, something few people saw coming considering that the 21-year-old managed only three in twenty one games during his loan spell at Middlesbrough in the second half of last season. 

The striker has impressed for England U21s, netting seven goals in thirteen appearances. 

Cascarino reckons that Balogun and another player of African descent Eddie Nketiah could be alternatives for Harry Kane at the 2024 Euro in Germany. 

"Cole Palmer and Folarin Balogun both have potential but the one who intrigues me is Eddie Nketiah," Cascarino said to The Times, via The Boot Room. 

"He’s yet to get a senior England cap but he is 23 and, with Gabriel Jesus injured, he could get another run in the Arsenal side, this time in a title race.

"He has something about him that reminds me of Ian Wright — his desire and quick movement to create and get chances. So the big question now is will he get a chance for Arsenal — or will they sign someone else in January?

"And if he does, can he show he can offer more than just that blitz at the end of last season? If he improves and scores goals in the next 18 months, Nketiah could get a chance in one of the forthcoming tournaments."

Balogun recently stated that he was open to representing the Super Eagles if approached by the Nigeria Football Federation. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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