Anthony Elanga is eligible to play for England but Sweden is confident the Red Devils winger will be with him.
The FA are aware that 19-year-old Elanga, who joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of 12, has been staying long enough to represent the Three Lions in Britain.
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Elanga, the son of former Cameroonian defender Josef Elanga, born in Sweden, played for Swedish side Malmö at a very young age and represented the country’s under-21s eight times.
Not only has Elanga played eight matches for United this season, he has also started the last three matches.
And the 19-year-old scored in a crucial 3-1 win over Brentford.
On Elanga’s goal, boss Ralph Rangnick said: “He followed up his performance at Villa Park. He was excellent in the second half, a lot of work against the ball and a goal.”
Swedish senior manager Jan Andersson hopes to include him in the scheduled 24-man tour of Portugal this week.
But Old Trafford boss Rangnik blocked him last month.
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The training camp – which did not include established senior players – had to be called off by Sweden in Portugal due to COVID issues.
But Sweden, who have a World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic in March, doesn’t believe Elanga is looking to switch and play for England or Cameroon.
The English FA are not currently tracking the young star with a view to make a move for him.
England can play both of their home Nations League matches away from Wembley.
The Three Lions will face European champions Italy on 11 June before hosting Hungary three days later.
Gareth Southgate’s side will face the Italians behind closed doors due to a UEFA ban after trouble in the Euro 2020 final. So it seems certain that a smaller venue – which will cost less to run – will be used for that match.
FA bosses are also considering using a stadium other than Wembley for the second match.
England entertain Switzerland and Ivory Coast in Home of Football in March Friendly.
Rob to continue camping
Italy coach Roberto Mancini is organizing a training camp for 35 people this week.
You can imagine the outrage among Premier League clubs if Gareth Southgate decides to do so.
But England boss Southgate has never considered bringing their stars closer together in this international break, which is outside the UEFA window so no competitive games are allowed.
Southgate felt that the England players, who were only now getting some respite from the winter schedule, needed time to rest.
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Yet for Mancini, all eyes are on the World Cup play-off against Macedonia in March.
After this, European champions Italy may have to beat Turkey playing Portugal in the decider.
Former Manchester City boss Mancini has also given 31-year-old Mario Balotelli his first call-up since 2018.
The striker is now in Turkey with Adana Demirspor – and has played for Italy just three times since the 2014 World Cup.
FIFA has so far received 2.3 million ticket applications for the Qatar World Cup.
The top ten countries requesting tickets by residence are Qatar, Argentina, England, Mexico, United States, United Arab Emirates, India, Germany, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
Ben Thatcher was a no-nonsense defender, but the 46-year-old is a football agent these days and has been involved in Roy Hodgson’s appointment to Watford – as well as the former England manager’s previous job at Crystal Palace.
read our Manchester United Live Blog For the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
