Written by Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has described his decision to leave Ghana for England as the “natural progression” of things after receiving his first England call-up for the September international break. Nketiah turned down the opportunity to play for Ghana.
“It’s a really proud moment for me, my family, and friends,” Nketiah said prior to England’s 2024 Euros qualifier against Ukraine. “It’s a really proud moment for me, my family, and friends.” Getting here has been a long and winding road with many highs and lows.
“Once the call-up was there, an offer was on the table, it was really hard to turn down and something which I felt was a natural progression for myself at this stage,” he explained his decision to play for England rather than Ghana, where his parents are from.
Since becoming a more prominent member of the Arsenal team last season, the forward has been performing admirably, earning him the dream invitation to the international stage.
Nketiah is the current Under-21 team’s all-time leading goal scorer with 16 goals, and he has also played a significant role in England’s youth program.
Nketiah is prepared for England duty. “I’m a much better player than I was maybe two or three years ago,” he said, expressing his belief that his call-up was earned due to his improvement over time. I’m in a good place and coming in at a good time. I’m prepared and confident. I am aware that I will continue to grow. I’m humble enough to recognize that I’m not perfect.
The 24-year-old, who was also invited to the Ghanaian national team ahead of the 2022 World Cup, said, “When I got the text it was surreal” when he got his England call-up. I normally maintain my composure, but I did briefly lose it.
“It was an amazing moment; everyone in my family was very moved. It was kind of nice to receive that recognition because I have put in a lot of effort to reach this point. I only checked my phone to make sure it said “selected,” so I don’t think I said much.
He continued, “My parents were really emotional because they made a lot of sacrifices for me to get here.” That level of contentment and pride on their faces was just lovely.
Nketiah will have the opportunity to make his England debut this month when the Three Lions play Scotland in an international friendly and Ukraine in a Euros qualifier.