Folarin Balogun chose USMNT over England due to ‘English arrogance,’ says Eric Wynalda

Retired US midfielder Eric Wynalda has claimed that ‘English arrogance’ led USMNT new boy Folarin Balogun to turn his back on the country he was raised in to opt to represent his country of birth.

‘Gareth Southgate has certainly made some missteps here with his comments about the talented American playing in France,’ said the National Soccer Hall of Famer with 104 caps for his country on The Action Network. 

‘Southgate said: ”We can’t just hand out international opportunities to a player simply because we don’t want them to play for somebody else”. Whoops – If he could take that one back now I think he would. 

‘Southgate has completely underestimated Folarin’s ability and tried to shrug it off. Sorry, but there are times where English arrogance needs to be illuminated and this is one of them.’

While still assessing his options, FA representatives approached Balogun once they learned of the US Soccer Federation’s poaching of the Arsenal striker, telling the 21-year-old that he’d have good chances of being capped at senior level for the Three Lions after playing for the U-21’s squad in the side’s quest to win the UEFA Euro Championship in Romania and Georgia in July.

Ex-USMNT star Eric Wynalda claims Gareth Southgate will regret not capping Folarin Balogun

Balogun chose to represent the US over England, for whose U-21 he played for, and Nigeria

The player himself, however, wanted to play where he felt valued. The timing of Balogun’s switch couldn’t have come at a better moment, with North America set to host 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada. 

‘He told [USMNT representatives] he feels like his heart is set on playing for the U.S.,’ Eddie Bonsu – Balogun’s agent – told The Athletic. ‘He’s very much about that feeling. He said, ”I feel it. This is where I feel like I need to be.”’

The 21-year-old Balogun, who has 19 goals in the French league this season while on loan at Reims from Arsenal, was born in New York and grew up in London. He had also been eligible to play for Nigeria through family ties.

Balogun confirmed the move  in a video on his social media accounts using the slogans ‘I’m coming home’ and ‘Let’s make history.’

‘Not only is he an extremely talented player, he’s also a good man who is going to add value to our national team both on and off the field at a time when the team is continuing to improve,’ U.S. interim coach Anthony Hudson said in a statement. ‘It’s clear that he values his U.S. roots and we can’t wait for him to come in and be a part of the team.’ 

Balogun has 19 goals in the French league this season while on loan at Reims from Arsenal

Balogun was born in New York but grew up in London, coming through the ranks for England

Balogun has been in demand after a breakout season in France. 

He was dueling with Kylian Mbappé to top the scoring charts for much of the season, although the Paris Saint-Germain star now leads with 26 goals. Balogun is tied for fifth. 

The U.S. and Hudson courted Balogun on a visit to Florida in March. The top player pool is expected to be used for CONCACAF Nations League games in Las Vegas against Mexico on June 15 and three days later vs. Panama or Canada.

‘Luckily for me, my first time is going to be in a competitive tournament so of course the ambition is to win and there’s not really much more to it,’ Balogun said in the USSF interview. ‘I’m going to have the opportunity to get in and train with the boys, but for sure it’s just straight down to business when we head to Vegas.’

A squad mostly from Major League Soccer is planned for the CONCACAF Gold Cup from June 24 to July 16, when Europe-based players are on vacation and then start reporting to clubs for preseason training.

The U.S., Mexico and Canada will play mostly friendlies for the next three years ahead of co-hosting the first 48-team men’s World Cup in 2026.