England's manager, Gareth Southgate, once considered recruiting the talented Evan Ferguson from Brighton.
While England has successfully convinced players like Jack Grealish and Declan Rice to represent their national team, Ferguson has firmly committed to Ireland. The teenage striker, who has been making waves in the Premier League, has already played for Ireland's senior team.
Initially, there was a glimmer of hope for England due to Ferguson's parentage, but that door has now been firmly closed. Southgate has now revealed that they've abandoned any hopes of persuading the Republic of Ireland striker to choose England over his current international allegiance.
Southgate said: "I think Ferguson’s played too many games at senior level, I think he’s got eight caps now. I’m not exactly sure on whether he definitely can’t, but I think he’s made it very clear he feels he was born in Ireland."
"I think he’s a bloody good player. We have to respect him, I don't think he’s given any inkling that would be any different."
