Ghana-Eligible Callum Hudson-Odoi Eyes England Return Amid Resurgence at Nottingham Forest

• Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is focused on earning a recall to the England national team despite being Ghana-eligible
• 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

Ghana-eligible footballer Callum Hudson-Odoi seems determined to continue his international career with England despite previously considering playing his trade for the Black Stars.

Born to Ghanaian parents, the 24-year-old forward represented England at all youth levels and earned three senior caps, but he has not featured for the Three Lions since November 2019.

With Hudson-Odoi's recent resurgence with Forest in the Premier League, the winger said he hoped to reclaim his place in manager Thomas Tuchel's squad.

After bursting onto the scene as a highly-rated Chelsea academy graduate in 2018, an Achilles tendon injury disrupted the forward's career trajectory in 2019.

Read also

“I have become a better person:” Kennedy Agyapong speaks for the first time on $18m defamation lawsuit loss

The setback stalled his progress, leading to inconsistent performances and a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he struggled to make a lasting impact.

However, Nottingham Forest took a chance on him in September 2023 as they aimed to cement their place in the EPL - a move that has worked out for both.

Hudson-Odoi wants to play for England

Hudson-Odoi has played a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s push for European qualification, contributing seven goal involvements in 25 games.

Despite his improved form, he was overlooked for England’s latest international games. However, the forward was still optimistic, telling the BBC:

“If the possibility and chance [for England] comes - I will have to go there and prove myself all over again.”

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.

Read also

Rabiu Mohammed: Why U20 World Cup Winner Ventured into Cocoa Farming After Football

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.

"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 last year.

Why Hudson-Odoi favours England over Ghana

The Chelsea winger rose through the ranks in England, winning the FIFA U17 World Cup with them in 2017.

However, his career suffered a huge setback a few years later, with injuries hampering his progress.

Hudson-Odoi spent time on loan at Bayer Leverkusen before later signing with Forest, as Sky Sports reported.

With his former Chelsea manager, Tuchel now in charge, he would fancy his chances with the Three Lions.

Read also

Benzema explains why he doesn't regret leaving Madrid to join Ronaldo in Saudi

The talented forward was part of Tuchel's UEFA Champions League-winning team but has not been called on in five years.

With the experience of playing for all the youth levels of England, Hudson-Odoi would fit right into the current system.

The Nottingham Forest forward has netted five goals and delivered two assists in 24 matches, per Transfermarkt statistics.

What does FIFA's rules regarding nationality switch say?

As of September 2020, FIFA introduced updated regulations on players' nationality switch. According to the rule, players can change national affiliation if they have played no more than three competitive senior matches before turning 21

Additionally, these appearances must not have occurred during the final stages of major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or continental championships.

The rules further suggest that a minimum of three years must pass since the player's last senior appearance for their initial national team.

Also, the player must have been eligible for the new national team at the time of their initial appearance for the first country. The FIFA regulations aim to balance the integrity of international competitions with the personal and professional considerations of the players.

Read also

Ghanaian player rejects golden chance to represent Libya, refuses nationality switch!

Comparing Hudson-Odoi's performance at Nottingham Forest last season vs this season

As of March 15, 2025, Hudson-Odoi has made 25 appearances, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists.

However, in the previous season, he played 27 matches, netting 8 goals and recording 2 assists.

Hudson-Odoi among Ghana-eligible stars

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on four Ghana-eligible players who could strengthen the Black Stars, including Nottingham Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The West Africans have a history of producing exceptional football talent, but recently, they have looked to players of Ghanaian descent born abroad.

Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh