A year ago
With 17 goals in 27 league games, the Arsenal striker who spent the 2022–23 season on loan at Reims has only outscored Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1.
Balogun went to England when he was just two years old after being born in New York, making him eligible to play for the USMNT. He had the option of choosing to represent Nigeria via his parents.
Balogun flew to the United States for a vacation after an injury prevented him from playing for England's Under-21 team during this international window.
While Balogun has primarily excelled for England's youth teams, he did play four times for the USMNT's Under-18 team in 2018. He has spoken with USMNT representatives about the possibilities of playing for the senior team.
Before Sunday's England-Ukraine Euro 2024 qualifier, Southgate was questioned about Balogun's future in the international arena.
Young players make good progress, but you may not be able to give them the immediate opportunity they would desire, which another country can provide, according to Southgate.
"The player must consider his or her heart's feelings. If he believes he can force his way into our group, is he willing to wait a little while for an opportunity?
"We like Flo. We have to compare his goals to those of Eddie Nketiah, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney because he hasn't yet had a chance in the Premier League. We don't act haughtily and assume that everyone wants to play for England. I completely understand if some individuals are patient, while others want it right away."
A record for Folarin Balogun internationally
Although Balogun has played for both England and the United States at the junior level in his international career, he has not yet represented either country at the senior level.
He has represented one American team and four different English youth teams.
On Sunday night, the Three Lions will host Ukraine at Wembley for their second Euro 2024 qualifying match.
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