Ghana or England? Hudson-Odoi Has Picked the Country He Wants to Play for Ahead of 2026 World Cup
- Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has decided on the country he wants to play for ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The former Chelsea star has not played for the Three Lions since 2019, but would hope that his recent club performances attract attention
- Despite previously considering a switch to the Black Stars, Hudson-Odoi now appears committed to proving himself for England again
Callum Hudson-Odoi made a firm decision about his international career, choosing between representing Ghana and England as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
The 24-year-old winger, who came through Chelsea’s youth system, secured his club future on Saturday, August 30, by signing a new three-year deal with Nottingham Forest that will keep him at the City Ground until 2028.
Source: Getty Images
His extension follows a trend of key players committing to the club, as Nottingham Forest aim for another challenging Premier League campaign.
Hudson-Odoi has grown into a vital figure for Nottingham Forest and is expected to play a central role in their 2025/26 season, per the club's official website.
Photos of his unveiling is below:
He made an early impact this term, scoring in the draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, and ended last season with 5 goals and 3 assists across 36 appearances.
Watch his goal vs Crystal Palace below:
Although his output dipped from the previous campaign, when he netted 8 times, second only to Chris Wood’s 14, he still played an important part in helping Forest finish 7th.
On the international stage, Hudson-Odoi faces the biggest decision of his career.
Born to Ghanaian parents, he has long been eligible to represent the Black Stars, yet he came through England’s youth system, featuring at every level and earning three senior caps.
His last appearance for the Three Lions came in November 2019, and despite being overlooked in Thomas Tuchel’s recent selections, the forward has remained hopeful of an eventual recall.
With his former Chelsea manager, Tuchel, now the manager of England, Hudson-Odoi still fancies his chances with the Three Lions.
The talented forward was part of Tuchel's UEFA Champions League-winning team.
Hudson-Odoi decides the country he'll play for
Hudson-Odoi admitted to the BBC back in March this year that the choice weighed heavily on him, but confirmed that he has now made his decision regarding his international allegiance.
With the World Cup on the horizon, his commitment could shape the next defining chapter of his career.
“If the possibility and chance [for England] comes - I will have to go there and prove myself all over again because I want to play.”
Source: Getty Images
Once considered one of England’s brightest young talents after debuting at only 17 years old, Hudson-Odoi struggled to live up to his early potential.
However, he believes that those challenges have shaped him into the player he is today and said that he was not trying to prove himself to others.
Hudson-Odoi added:
"It’s about proving to myself that I can still be the player I once was - getting back to a level where I know I’ll score, assist, and make an impact in every game with confidence."
His comments indicated a strong desire to represent England, casting doubt over his previous openness to switching allegiance to Ghana.
Hudson-Odoi sparks Black Stars talks with Fatawu Issahaku bond
In a separate report, YEN.com.gh highlighted how Callum Hudson-Odoi has sparked fresh rumours of a possible switch to represent Ghana after being spotted with Black Stars winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
The pair were seen together at the City Ground following Nottingham Forest’s dramatic 2-2 Premier League clash with Leicester City on Sunday, May 11.
Source: YEN.com.gh
