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Topics: Callum Hudson-Odoi, England, Ghana, Chelsea
Josh Lawless
Callum Hudson-Odoi has made a dramatic u-turn decision on his international future, with the 22-year-old hopeful of a recall to the England squad.
Born in London, Hudson-Odoi represented England from Under 16's onwards and went on to earn three caps for the Three Lions in 2019.
He's not featured for the national team since then and received criticism for turning down a call-up to the under 21 side in 2021.
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Hudson-Odoi has roots in Ghana and went to the west African country for a special visit and everything pointed towards him switching international allegiance.
Because the Chelsea winger was capped for England prior to his 21st birthday, new FIFA rules would allow him to go and play for Ghana.
Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo, who Hudson-Odoi met, was desperate to convince him to make the switch.
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However, the Evening Standard, say Hudson-Odoi has snubbed their advances ahead of the World Cup as he still thinks he has a future with England.
He was not included in their 55-man provisional squad having decided not to go through with the necessary paperwork needed to change nationality.
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The 22-year-old is currently enjoying a successful spell on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and plans on keeping his options open going forward in regards to a call-up.
Addressing his international future previously, Hudson-Odoi told Joy Sports: "When they obviously gave me the opportunity to come I was in the country already. It's something that I already had in my mind, set on already playing for England.
"So it was the thing obviously choosing Ghana or England, and at the end of the day, I said I always had the right people around me who always advise me - what's right, what's wrong. England came and I said 'Yeah, let me go and play for my country.
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"But I said Ghana is my home as well, so we'll see, we'll see. You'll never know."
He is to explain his decision in a statement which will come as a big blow to manager Otto Addo.
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah ultimately got cold feet on playing for Ghana, though Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey and Inaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao will turn out for the Black Stars in Qatar.
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Hudson-Odoi became the youngest player to play for England in a competitive game in when he made his debut and went on to register an assist on his first start three days later.