Hamza Choudhury has decided to pledge his allegiance to Bangladesh.
The Leicester City No.17 – born in Loughborough to a Bangladeshi mother – has represented England on seven occasions at U21 level, but is yet to make a senior appearance for the Three Lions.
Now, that will never happen regardless of how well the 27-year-old performs for the Foxes, as he opts to switch his national allegiance to Bangladesh after many years of requests from persistent Bangladeshis on social media.
In light of this Hamza Choudhury news, let’s take a look at other Premier League stars who snubbed England for another nation – and one who just snubbed England in favour of playing no international football whatsoever.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland of Norway during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B3 match between Norway and Kazakhstan at on November 17, 2024 in O...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Let’s start with a big one.
Erling Haaland was actually born in Leeds, but moved back to Norway at the age of three when his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, retired aged 30.
The Manchester City No.9 has already discussed the fact he could have played for England, saying: “You never know how it would be if maybe my father played longer in England, maybe I would be English, I don’t know, but yeah, I’m Norwegian and I’m proud of it.”
Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha of England is tackled by Luka Milivojevic of Serbia during the Under 21 European Championship Play Off between England U21 and Serbia...
Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images
Despite playing two games for the England U19 side, 13 for the U21 team while also winning two caps for England at full, senior level, Wilfried Zaha opted to represent the Ivory Coast in 2016 after years of being ignored by Gareth Southgate.
That was despite the fact he won two caps for England – as aforesaid. Those appearances – however – both came in friendly affairs under Roy Hodgson, meaning he was still able to choose another nation.
A competitive outing for England would have tied Zaha to the Three Lions forever.
Matty Cash
DOHA - Matty Cash of Poland during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 round of 16 match between France and Poland at Al Thumama Stadium on December 4, 2...
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
The Aston Villa No.2 never actually made an appearance for England at any level, but despite consistently impressive performances in the Premier League which could have later earned him a cap, the man born in Slough opted to play for Poland in 2021.
Matty Cash – who is of Polish descent through his mother – has since played 15 games for Poland, even appearing at the 2022 World Cup.
Ethan Pinnock
Ethan Pinnock of Jamaica looks on prior the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group B match between Jamaica and Venezuela at Q2 Stadium on June 30, 2024 i...
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Born in Lambeth and once a member of the England C team, Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock eventually gave up hope of representing England at senior level and teamed up with Jamaica.
The Londoner qualified for Jamaica through his father – winning 17 caps for the ‘Reggae Boyz’ so far.
Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson #5 of the United States looks on prior to the 2024 Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals second leg match between Jamaica and the ...
Photo by Joe Puetz/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Now a full United States international, Fulham defender Antonee Robinson, who Liverpool like, once turned down the chance to join up with an England U21 camp, as the United States “showed more faith in me” – in his own words.
The Fulham No.33 qualified for the United States through his father, and has 50 appearances to date.
Scott McTominay
A general view of the match shirts of Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay of Scotland (not pictured) with the match pennant and UEFA Respect Captain...
Photo by Ian MacNicol – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
The Manchester United academy graduate – now starring at Napoli – was approached by Southgate to play for England back in 2018, having been born in Lancaster.
However, Scott McTominay – who has a Scottish father – chose Scotland, winning 58 caps so far.
Ben White
Ben White of England runs with the ball during the international friendly match between England and Cote D'Ivoire at Wembley Stadium on March 29, 2...
Photo by Alex Pantling – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
As aforesaid, one player rejected England in favour of no international football whatsoever in Ben White – who is currently injured.
The Arsenal No.4 won four England caps before suddenly leaving the camp during the 2022 World Cup, with Southgate confirming to the media that White had declined his offer to partake in future squads.
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale of Real Madrid with a flag of Wales around him after winning the UEFA Champions League
Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images
As we began with a household name, let us end on another.
Gareth Bale – born in Cardiff – was eligible to play for England through his grandmother, but sadly for the Three Lions, chose Wales.
The man who went on to win five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, become Wales’ most capped player and also their record goalscorer with 41 goals in 111 games said: “My grandmother is from England so I had the choice, but I’m from Wales and proud to be so.”
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