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

Retired US midfielder Eric Wynalda has claimed that “English arrogance” led new USMNT boy Folarin Balogun to turn his back on the country he grew up in to choose to represent his native country.

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

Southgate said: ‘We can’t just give a player international opportunities because we don’t want him to play for someone else’. Oops – If he could take that back now, I think he would.

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

While he was still assessing his options, FA representatives approached Balogun when they learned of the poaching of the Arsenal striker by the American Football Federation. for the U-21 side in the side’s quest to win the UEFA Euro Championship in July in Romania and Georgia.

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

However, the player himself wanted to play where he felt valued. The timing of Balogun’s move couldn’t have come at a better time as North America will host the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.

‘He told [USMNT representatives] he feels like his heart is set on playing for the US,” Balogun’s agent Eddie Bonsu 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.”

Balogun, 21, who has scored 19 times in the French league this season while on loan from Arsenal to Reims, was born in New York and grew up in London. Family ties also made him eligible to play for Nigeria.

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

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

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

Balogun was born in New York but grew up in London and rose through the ranks for England

Balogun is in demand after a breakaway season in France.

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

The US and Hudson have courted Balogun while visiting Florida in March. The pool of top players is expected to be used for CONCACAF Nations League matches in Las Vegas against Mexico on June 15 and against Panama or Canada three days later.

“Luckily for me, it will be my first time in a competitive tournament, so of course the ambition is to win and there is not much left to do,” Balogun said in the USSF interview. “I’ll get a chance to step in and train with the guys, but if we go to Vegas, it’s definitely a matter of business.”

A team, mainly from Major League Soccer, is scheduled for the CONCACAF Gold Cup from June 24 to July 16, when players from Europe are on holiday and then report to clubs for pre-season training.

The US, Mexico and Canada will play mostly friendlies over the next three years before co-hosting the first 48-team men’s World Cup in 2026.