Evan Ferguson shoots down a question over whether the Brighton striker ever considered switching from the Republic of Ireland to play for England
- Ferguson previously qualified to represent England through his mother Sarah
- The Brighton star has now made eight appearances for the Republic of Ireland
- What is the WORST Premier League hat-trick? – Find out on It’s All Coming Up
Brighton star Evan Ferguson quickly dismissed suggestions he would have been tempted to switch from the Republic of Ireland to play for the England national team.
Ferguson made his Republic of Ireland debut in 2022 and has scored three goals in eight appearances.
He is now ineligible to switch nations under FIFA rules, but previously qualified for England through his mother, Sarah.
Ferguson was asked in a talkSPORT interview about the prospect of representing England, responding ‘that’s never going to happen now’.
After then being asked by the interviewer why he was so committed to Ireland, Ferguson gave a quick response.
Evan Ferguson has shot down suggestions he could have been tempted to play for England
Evan Ferguson has scored three times in eight appearances for the Republic of Ireland
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‘Because I’m Irish,’ he replied.
‘There is nothing else to say, I have been asked that question a few times.’
The question had received a backlash from Ireland fans, but journalist Alex Crook claimed it was a ‘tongue in cheek’ comment after previous speculation over Ferguson would have switched.
‘Me asking Evan Ferguson, whose mum was born in England, if he was ever tempted to play for England has caused a bit of storm,’ Crook wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
‘It was a tongue in cheek question as has been a story in the press. He answered it brilliantly with a smile as he did every other question. Top guy.’
The Republic of Ireland had previously missed out on Jack Grealish and Declan Rice, who have instead starred for England.
Grealish had played at youth level for Ireland before deciding to switch to the Three Lions, while Rice feature three times at senior level in friendlies before changing allegiances.
In an interview with Mail Sport’s Chris Sutton, Ferguson admitted there is pressure to perform as he seeks to lead Ireland to a first major tournament since Euro 2016.
Declan Rice played three times in friendlies for the Republic of Ireland before declaring for England
The teenage striker has also committed his future to Brighton after signing a new contract
‘There is, to a certain extent,’ Ferguson said. ‘You can see where the fans are coming from.
‘When you see someone come to England and do well, they expect you to go back to Ireland and produce the same.
‘There is a little. But I wouldn’t say it affects me.’
The 19-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to Alan Shearer amid his meteoric rise, committed his club future to Brighton this week.
Ferguson signed a new contract that ties him down to the Sussex club until 2029.
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