Bournemouth star Jordon Ibe set to snub Nigeria to try and earn England World Cup place
The winger’s form has reignited interest for him to switch countries from the Three Lions
JORDON IBE will snub Nigeria to keep himself in the frame for England.
The Bournemouth winger’s form has reignited interest for him to switch countries from the Three Lions.
Ibe qualifies for Nigeria through his father and they are willing to offer the chance to fight for a World Cup place at Russia next year.
But the 22-year-old is refusing to give up on forcing his way into the reckoning for England under Gareth Southgate.
Ibe was tipped for an England call-up 18 months ago when he broke into the Liverpool first team as successor to Raheem Sterling, with Roy Hodgson admitting he liked him.
The ex-Wycombe youth player struggled settle when he moved to Bournemouth but has now started to live up to his £15million price tag.
He has six assists this season in all competitions and netted the winner in the 2-1 win against Arsenal at Dean Court at the weekend.
And he wants to make sure he is available for Southgate if the England boss is looking at his options for next summer’s tournament.
GOALS GOALS GOALS Premier League highlights: Watch the goals as Liverpool shock Manchester City at Anfield and Arsenal lose at Bournemouth
Southgate picked him for the Under-21s in 2015, with Kop youngster Joe Gomez also called up at the time and on a path to the seniors.
Ibe has played for England’s youth teams and would prefer to stick with the Three Lions despite Nigeria wanting him.
most read in football
The Africans tried to get Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham to switch countries but he stuck with England and made his debut this season.
He can still turn his back on England until he plays a competitive match but is expected to stay loyal to Southgate now he has his first cap.