da aposte e ganhe： Folarin Balogun wishes that he had snubbed England at international level “sooner” as he seeks to fully integrate in the USMNT squad.

da roleta： Article continues below

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Represented Three Lions at youth levelNow committed to land of his birthBusy time after transfer to MonacoWHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old striker revealed in May 2023, having previously represented the Three Lions at Under-21 level, that he would be committing to the country of his birth following an intense allegiance battle. He has already opened his goal account for the United States and helped them to CONCACAF Nations League glory, with the promising frontman loving life in the American camp.

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Balogun, who has been on the move at club level this summer after leaving Premier League giants Arsenal for Ligue 1 side Monaco, has told the podcast of his decision to favour the U.S. over England: “I’m so disappointed I didn’t do this sooner. The vibes here are just amazing. Everybody is so passionate. Of course the coaching staff and everybody are so friendly, they made me feel so welcome. It’s all good news.”

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After forming part of a triumphant Nations League squad, Balogun is back in the USMNT ranks for friendly dates against Uzbekistan and Oman. He added on being the new boy in a youthful squad: “I’m definitely a bit more comfortable seeing my team-mates, it’s not so awkward because you have built relationships from the last camp. I would still say I am fairly new. There are times when we are at dinner and they are talking about jokes that they have said because they have been in the system for so long, so I can’t relate to all of the jokes just yet but it’s good. I’m enjoying every moment here and it’s a pleasure and an honour to be called up.”

Photos AS MonacoWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Balogun has plenty on his plate at present, as he is only one game into his experience at Monaco, and admits that he is having to carefully manage club commitments with trekking across the world. He added on reaching the first international break of 2023-24: “It depends on your perspective. It can definitely be difficult because you are sorting things out at your new club and then you’ve got to go 10 hours across the globe to link up with the national team. But for me it’s been good. It’s been an opportunity to sort things out from afar. Of course I’m happy to be with the team, so it’s a good thing the international break.”