Michelle Agyemang: Brighton and Hove Albion Women Star Snubs Ghana for England
- Brighton and Hove Albion forward Michelle Agyemang has opted to play for England ahead of Ghana
- The Arsenal loanee received her first invite from England on Saturday following an injury to Alessia Russo
- The England-born striker is expected to play her first game for the Lionesses against Belgium this week
Michelle Agyemang has received her first invite to the England senior women's national team despite being on the radar of Ghana.
The talented forward was born in England to Ghanaian parents, making her eligible to play for the Black Queens of Ghana.
Following an injury to Alessia Russo ahead of the Nations League game against Belgium, the 19-year-old was handed her first call-up.
Source: Getty Images
The teen forward travelled with the Lionesses to Leuven for the second leg of the Nations League match with Belgium.
Agyemang is expected to make her debut in the game, which would end Ghana's pursuit of the Brighton and Hove Albion star.
The forward, who rose through the ranks at Arsenal Women FC, is currently on loan at the Amex Park outfit.
Agyemang has made 19 appearances this season, scoring a goal against Aston Villa in the Women's Super League.
England explains Agyemang's national invite
In a statement released by the English FA, Agyemang's invite was explained as part of handing young players a chance.
Source: Getty Images
The statement regarding her call-up reads as follows:
"Michelle Agyemang has joined the England senior women’s squad for the first time. Agyemang, part of the WU19s squad who have successfully qualified for this summer’s EURO in Poland with a game to spare, replaces Alessia Russo.
“Russo has returned to Arsenal for further assessment on an injury sustained in the Lionesses’ 5-0 win against Belgium in Bristol on Friday. The 24-player squad depart St. George’s Park today as they prepare for Tuesday’s return fixture against the Red Flames in Leuven."
Black Queens recruits Europe-born players
The female national team has taken a cue from their male counterparts with the recruitment of Europe-born players to their squad.
Last year, Freda Ayisi, a former Arsenal player who was born in England, was handed her first invite for the Olympic Games qualifiers.
Ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this year, new coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has handed invites to two new players.
German-born Josephine Kyerewaa Bonsu and England-born Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah are the latest to join the team. The FA has also ensured most players of Ghanaian descent join from the youth level.
Black Queens beat Senegal in friendly
Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported that the Black Queens defeated Senegal in a friendly in Dakar on April 5, 2025.
The West African giants are preparing ahead of the Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set for July this year.
This was Ghana's first win in five matches under coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren and he aims to build on his team's win.
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Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Lukman Mumuni (Sports Editor) Lukman Abdul Mumin is a CAF-accredited Sports Journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He has been writing for the past eight years. Lukman has worked with some of Ghana's big media houses like GMA and was a regular pundit on GTV. He started his journalism career as a presenter and a writer after studying at the Gee Way Media School. Lukman has covered several international competitions including AFCON 2023. Email: lukmanevergreen2g15@gmail.com
Bruce Douglas (Senior Copyeditor) Bruce Douglas has 13 years of experience in community media, including coverage of sports, human interest, crime and politics.
