By Milcah Tanimu
The English Football Association has announced the rosters for the Three Lions, Young Lions, and Young Lionesses ahead of international matches in October, featuring eight Nigeria-eligible players.
A significant highlight is the recall of Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke to the Three Lions, nearly seven years after his senior debut in a goalless draw against Brazil in 2017. Solanke will be cap-tied to England if he makes his competitive debut against Greece or Finland.
In the Young Lionesses squad for the upcoming 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, Arsenal midfielder Omotara Junaid and Manchester City forward Jane Oboavwoduo have both earned their places. England will compete against Kenya, Mexico, and Korea DPR in the group phase of the tournament.
Junaid and Oboavwoduo secured their spots in the team following impressive performances at the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship five months ago.
England U19s coach Will Antwi has also named Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, the youngest player to compete in the top flight of English football, in a 23-man squad for a training camp in Spain. This camp serves as preparation for the U19 Euro qualifiers in November, with friendly matches scheduled against Portugal, Netherlands, and France at the Marbella Football Centre.
Additionally, England U18s coach Liam Bramley included four highly-rated players of Nigerian descent in his squad for a four-team tournament in Marbella. These players are West Ham defender Chukwuemeka Adiele, Chelsea centre-back Olutayo Subuloye, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Callum Olusesi, and Newcastle United forward Trevan Sanusi.
Eight Nigeria-Eligible Players Called Up by England:
- Dominic Solanke (Tottenham) – England
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) – England U19
- Tayo Subuloye (Chelsea) – England U18
- Chukwuemeka Adiele (West Ham) – England U18
- Callum Olusesi (Tottenham) – England U18
- Trevan Sanusi (Newcastle) – England U18
- Jane Oboavwoduo (Man City) – England WU17
- Omotara Junaid (Arsenal) – England WU17
