England pick Nigeria target Abraham for Euro 2020 qualifiers

Tammy Abraham

Friday Oct 04, 2019. 11:00

Tammy Abraham has been included in England’s squad for their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Bulgaria, potentially ending hr hopes of the Nigerian Football Federation of luring him to play for the Super Eagles.

Abraham has been in red hot form for English side Chelsea this season and has been rewarded England coach Gareth Southgate, who will be eager to give him a few minutes at least of competitive action to secure his future with the team.

If Abraham does play, that would make him ineligible for Nigeria and end the debate over whether he would choose to turn out for the African nation.

“He is the leading English goalscorer in the (Premier) league,” Southgate told reporters. “He is a player that we put into the squad very young at a time when we wanted to have a look at some younger players and change the complexion of what we were doing.

“It was a bit early for him and now it is brilliant the opportunity he has been given by Frank (Lampard) along with some of the other young English players at Chelsea. It has been fabulous for them.

“He has really grasped this opportunity. It is thoroughly deserved.”

Abraham’s father is reportedly close to Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, who has spoken at length in the past about bringing the youngster into the Super Eagles fold.

Abraham had spoken earlier in the week of how he was torn over whether to choose to play for England or Nigeria.

“I love both nations,” Abraham told reporters. “To be wanted by both nations, clearly I’m doing something right on the pitch for Chelsea. I just have to keep going. My time will come.

“I’m not sure, I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m just focusing on the club now.

“I’ve grown up in an area with a lot of African culture and African background,” he said.

“Even in the changing room nowadays, we play Afrobeats and all sorts. So you’re fully aware that Nigeria is a massive country. It’s global.”