22 March 2023 , 20:21
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Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner has given some advice to on-loan team-mate Folarin Balogun, as he ponders his international future.
Balogun is eligible to represent England, Nigeria or the United States, but was upset by his recent omission from Gareth Southgate's squad for the upcoming European qualifiers. The on-loan Reims striker was overlooked despite scoring 16 goals in Ligue 1 so far this season, and hinted that he could switch allegiances after being snubbed by the England boss.
Turner spoke about the Balogun links in a press conference for the USMNT, stating that he thinks the striker would be a brilliant addition to the USMNT. The Reims star has since been 'spotted' in Orlando by an eagle-eyed fan, which is where the USMNT will face El Salvador on March 28.
It's been a long week for Balogun, who was clearly upset about missing out on Southgate's senior squad. Balogun was still picked for the England U21 side, but withdrew due to injury despite not being listed as injured by Reims.
Balogun's stance has since sparked rumours that he could switch allegiances to the USMNT, and that would certainly be backed by Turner. "Spoke to Flo as we had a lot of pre season together," Turner said in a USMNT press conference.
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"Knew he had some roots in US. He and I developed a relationship quickly. Be a great addition to our national team. Been great on loan. Decision has to come from the heart."
And Balogun has since been spotted in Orlando, after a fan recognised his location from a recent Instagram post. The USMNT face Grenada away on March 25, before hosting El Salvador three days later in Orlando.
USMNT fans are starting to get excited, as they feel Balogun's visit could suggest he's ready to commit his future to the United States. A striker is a position the USMNT could benefit from, with Timothy Weah and Josh Sargent currently rotating the role.
Balogun was born in the United States, and has represented both England and the USMNT at youth level throughout his career. The 21-year-old is also eligible to play for Nigeria, and his reaction to being left out of the England squad suggests that he may be finished with the Three Lions.
As the youngster is yet to make a senior appearance for any national side, he is still free to pick which nation to represent for the remainder of his career. And back in November, Balogun told PUNCH Sports Extra: "I’m going to make a decision soon and that decision will not depend on what the media or people think but on what is best for me.
"We will talk about it quietly with my family. Because my parents are Nigerian, their first language is Yoruba. I have a lot of family in Nigeria. My mother also has family in New York and Atlanta, with whom we exchange regularly and who sometimes visit us in London."