EURO 2024: England to monitor 10-goal Super Eagles-eligible winger Michael Olise despite latest snub

England head coach Gareth Southgate || Photo Credit: Imago

FOOTBALL EURO 2024: England to monitor 10-goal Super Eagles-eligible winger Michael Olise despite latest snub

EURO 2024: England to monitor 10-goal Super Eagles-eligible winger Michael Olise despite latest snub

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 07:47 - 22.05.2024

The 22-year-old was born in London and remains eligible to represent Three Lions and Nigeria's Super Eagles.

England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed the Three Lions will be keeping a close eye on Michael Olise, eligible for the Super Eagles, despite the 22-year-old's latest snub from the France national team.

Born in London, Olise remains eligible to represent both England and Nigeria but has so far been capped by France at youth international level.

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England to watch Super Eagles hopeful Michael Olise

Despite his blistering end-of-season form for Palace, which saw him score 10 goals and provide 6 assists in just 19 league matches, Olise was left out of France and England squads for this summer's European Championship.

Southgate acknowledged Olise's qualities, labelling him a "very good player", but admitted any switch in international allegiance would be a lengthy process.

Michael Olise and brother Richard at the 2024 London Football Awards
Michael Olise and brother Richard at the 2024 London Football Awards (Instagram/m.olise)

"He would have to have a transfer of association," Southgate said shortly after naming his 33-man England squad for EURO 2024 per the Standard. 

"That process would take quite a while," the former Middlesbrough manager admitted.

England manager Gareth Southgate believes it will take a long process to get Michael Olise to switch allegiance.
England manager Gareth Southgate believes it will take a long process to get Michael Olise to switch allegiance.

The England boss suggested France may instead opt to select Olise for their Olympic team, but insisted the Three Lions will maintain their interest in the versatile forward.

“He is obviously a very good player, he hasn't made their squad. They might be taking him to the Olympics, I don't know,” he added.

Micheal Olise has played for France at under-18s and under-21.
Micheal Olise has played for France at under-18s and under-21. || Imago

With Olise's domestic form continuing to impress, Southgate's comments indicate England are ready to pounce should the player decide his international future lies with the country of his birth.

Nigeria is another interesting option for the talented winger who has been advised by his compatriots in the West African nation to come represent his father’s land.

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Olise was born to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother which makes him eligible for all four nations.  

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