Gareth Southgate is eager for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise to declare for England with the Eagles youngster impressing in his first year in the Premier League.
According to the Daily Mail, the English FA have been impressed by the 20-year-old attacker, who has flourished under Patrick Vieira since joining the south London side in the summer transfer window.
However, Olise’s allegiance currently lies with France, with the youngster playing for Les Bleus’ U-18 side back in 2019. The former Reading star was born in England but qualifies to play for the reigning FIFA World Cup holders through his French-Algerian mother.
With his father Nigerian, Olise is eligible to play for four countries, with the Super Eagles placing the Palace star on their standby list for last year, though the winger did not join up with the African giants.
Fast-forward to now, and England are hot on Olise’s tracks. After losing out on Jamal Musiala and Yunus Musah to Germany and the USA respectively, the Three Lions are determined to nationalise exciting prospects who could one day play for Southgate’s side.
Moreover, following the breakthrough season of Conor Gallagher, England could be tempted to bring his teammate Olise on board the international set-up, with the winger becoming a key player for Vieira’s side this season.
Olise has a huge career decision to make with England interested
With four countries to choose from for Olise, deciding which nation to represent for his entire career will be one of the most important moves the youngster makes so far, especially with England now keen on taking him on board.
Indeed, there is every chance that Olise never becomes an England international, and with nations like Nigeria also interested in having him on their books, the youngster has a big decision to make in the coming months if his form continues to improve.
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