Callum Hudson-Odoi could play for Ghana at 2022 World Cup

CHO could turn his back on England

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi could turn his back on England and represent Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Hudson-Odoi has three senior England caps and has also represented the Three Lions across younger age groups. His most recent appearance for Gareth Southgate's side came in a European Championship qualifier against Kosovo in November 2019. However, having turned down a call up for the games against Albania and San Marino last November - and an Under21 call up last summer - it now seems the 21-year-old is giving serious thought to switching his international allegiance. Hudson-Odoi is still eligible to play for Ghana because he holds dual nationality and all of his senior England caps came before he turned 21. The World Cup kicks off in Qatar in November, by which time it will be three years since Hudson-Odoi last played for England. Under FIFA rules, this would allow him to apply to represent Ghana.

Speaking about a potential switch after Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup triumph in Abu Dhabi last weekend, he told the Evening Standard: "I don't know. At the end of the day, we will wait until that times comes.

"At the same time, I've just got to focus on the club until we get that far."

However, a report by London World suggests Hudson-Odoi is ready to make the change, telling friends he will do so if Ghana seal qualification for Qatar 2022. The Black Stars are yet to book their berth at the finals. They are one of six African nations to have secured a place in the World Cup playoffs, where they will face Nigeria in a two-legged tie at the end of next month. Related links:

• Southgate claims Hudson-Odoi has ‘missed an opportunity’ by snubbing England Under-21
• Callum Hudson-Odoi called up to England squad for first time
• Declan Rice admits England got tactics wrong in Euro 2020 final