‘Not frustrated’ – Why Folarin Balogun has no England regrets after pledging allegiance to the USMNT

The 22-year-old striker – who is now playing his club football at Monaco after completing a big-money transfer from Arsenal - found himself at the centre of an international tug-of-war during the spring of 2023, with the decision eventually taken to pledge allegiance to the United States. He had previously turned out for England through to U21 level, but now has three goals in eight senior appearances for his country of birth.

On that big career call, Balogun has told Monaco’s official website: “It’s a source of pride every time to represent your country but it’s never guaranteed. To do this, I must continue to work. I grew up in London and studied there but I’m not frustrated not to wear the England jersey because the United States really wanted me and it suited my development. I was born in New York and I go back there often to see my family and friends. I am also happy to be nominated for the American Player of the Year.”

Balogun is joined on the list of contenders for the 2023 USMNT Player of the Year award by Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Ricardo Pepi and Matt Turner. He will not be back in international action until 2024, but is starting to feel more at home on that prominent stage. He added on his experiences to date: “It’s true that it’s all new to me but the team helps me a lot to adapt. I have to learn to manage the time difference, and for that, I take advice from the experienced players in the squad who are used to doing that.”

The United States are through to another CONCACAF Nations League semi-final, with Jamaica set to be faced at that stage of the competition in March 2024. Balogun will be hoping to chase down more major silverware there, before attention shifts to a Copa America tournament on home soil next summer.