The Head of Communications at the British High Commission in Ghana, Bryan Wilson, believes the Black Stars would be a stronger side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if English-born Ghanaian players Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi are added to the national team.
According to Wilson, if the two players are willing to represent Ghana, they should be seriously considered as part of the squad to boost the team’s competitiveness at the global showpiece.
Speaking in an interview with the Graphic Sports, Wilson said their inclusion would not only strengthen the team but also provide valuable depth, especially given the physical demands placed on Ghana’s current Premier League-based stars.
“I think their addition could make the team stronger. It gives competition for places and brings strength in depth,” he said. “Between now and the World Cup is a long time and what if a player gets injured? The Premier League is very demanding and if Antoine Semenyo or Mohammed Kudus gets injured, then you have a couple of players who can step in and play in those positions.”
Wilson stressed that the decision ultimately rests with the players and the Ghana Football Association (GFA), describing it as a personal choice.
However, he believes their presence would raise the overall quality of the Black Stars and help the team compete at the highest level.
“The interesting thing for Ghana is potentially bringing in players such as Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi if they are eligible and willing,” he noted. “If they decide to represent Ghana and the GFA also decides to bring them in, then I think that team becomes even stronger.
“Ghana has a good knack for playing at the level of the opposition they face, so I think they will raise their game and Ghana has a good chance of progressing from the group.”
Wilson also observed that both players are highly talented but have had limited opportunities with the English national team, despite making a few appearances in the past.
Given their strong Ghanaian roots, he believes representing Ghana would be a sensible option.
“It’s a personal decision for them and what they feel is best for their career,” he said. “I think Nketiah has represented England about three times and Hudson-Odoi once, or vice-versa, which is very few and it’s a shame to lose such talent.
“Unfortunately, neither player has been selected by England for a long time. They both have good links with Ghana, so if they want to represent the country and play regularly, then why not? It makes sense.”
However, Wilson also expressed some concern about the limited time available for the players to fully integrate into the Black Stars setup ahead of the World Cup.
“I think it depends on whether the GFA want to take them on and whether they can integrate them into the squad with the time left,” he said.
“There isn’t much time before the World Cup, but if the FA want to bring them in, then why not?”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
